The 20-year-old finished first in the 20-24 age group at the Australian and Oceanic Duathlon Championships in Adelaide two weeks ago.

He finished third overall out of approximately 250 competitors. The event incorporates a 5km run, 20km cycle leg, and then another 2.5km run to the finish.

His final time was 58 minutes 50 seconds, an amazing achievement considering his young age. “It’s different when I’m the youngest,” he told the Post.

“They say you don’t peak until you’re about 25 or 26 so I’m pretty proud to have taken out and been the youngest in my age group.”

Although many of the big name triathletes are currently in off season, the win was vitally important to the Bachelor of Education student from the University of Canberra.

It was completely unexpected after he had spent the last three months suffering from injury and illness.

Roberts was diagnosed with Patellofemoral, a pain behind the knee cap that restricted his movement. “It put me back especially with my running,” he explained.

“Running is my strongest leg and my favourite. It just happens, but luckily not anymore.”

His result in Adelaide means he has qualified for the 2015 World Duathlon Championships also to be held in Adelaide next October.

He has plenty of time to train, something which he does everyday when he can.

But there are competitions in the summer he is looking forward to.

Roberts explains he’s aiming for the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival come March next year, as well as the Australian Sprint Distance Triathlon and Australian Olympic Distance Triathlon.