Tina Braam - Builder (Triathlon) - Class of 2024

Paving the way for women in sport. Tina Braam did just that. Tina created a triathlon and duathlon legacy for women well beyond Milton, and even Ontario. Competing both nationally and internationally at a time when many women were not active in the sport at all, Tina transitioned into building a welcoming environment for the generations to follow.

Her goal was to reduce feelings of intimidation for those women new to the sport while inspiring the rookies with her infectious enthusiasm. Gradually, she built up a world-class annual competition through a period spanning two decades. Tina broke down barriers from the grassroots to the world’s highest levels. Her legacy is long lasting and all encompassing. By removing the barriers of mixed gender competition, Tina was able to coax those with less ambition to give the sport a try. She was able to eliminate that fear, showing understanding and compassion for the participants levels of athleticism and comfort zones.

Eventually Tina was able to secure sponsorships and build momentum. Through it all, she still found a way to have some competition proceeds benefit female focused organizations, like Big Sisters. Tina wrote the story of success for many women who went on to provincial and national success, too. Her first Kelso event featured 70 racers but by 2002, it had grown to a size that had to be capped at 650 participants. In its heyday, the Milton Women's Triathlon was approaching 800 participants in the swim, bike, run.

Celebrating Milton’s trailblazers, she is one of only five women to be featured in the 1960s-2000s sports section of the Canadian Federation of University Women’s centennial book. Tina has left an enduring mark in the sports community and has many accolades to showcase all of her hard work and efforts.