Josh Amberger Q&A with WYN republic
Meet Josh Amberger – a WYN republic athlete and Australian professional triathlete based in Brisbane. Josh has established himself as a formidable force in the long-distance racing scene, both in Australia and internationally. Many of you may recognize him from his impressive achievements, including being the 2017 Ironman Asia-Pacific Champion, an 11-time Ironman 70.3 Champion, and the 2020 Australian Long Course Champion. Known for dominating the water and blazing through the lava fields on his bike in Kona, Josh has been a standout competitor for the better part of the last decade.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Josh is celebrated for his engaging race reports and off-the-course antics that never fail to entertain. Check out his Q&A with us below!
WYN republic: Where are you currently training?
Josh: Andorra, a small country in the Pyranees wedged between France and Spain. What attracts me here for training is the mountainous terrain, the quiet roads and the different vibes.
WYN republic: What is your favorite book? Podcast? Pump up song?
Josh: At the moment I've been reading a lot of Melissa Lukashenko (Mullumbimby, Too Much Lip, Edenglassie) and well as Nayef Din (The Last Gundir, Wrong Side). Both authors are writing about contemporary and historical First Nations stories that I find truly fascinating. For podcasts, I love ABC shows like Hack, Conversations and Background Briefing, and for pump up songs I can't go past some Bolt Thrower, Morbid Angel or Violet Cold.
WYN republic: What is your favorite book? Podcast? OR song?
Josh: I recently enjoyed the book 'Too Much Lip' and now I'm on to 'Mullimbimby', both by Melissa Lucashenko.
WYN republic: What has been your favorite race to date?
Josh: I think Escape from Alcatraz always brings the vibes. I've done some incredible half and full distance events around the world, but the unchained feel of the course at Escape is something difficult to top.
WYN republic: What is a race that’s on your bucket list?
Josh: I'd love to do Patagonman extreme tri before it's all said and done.
WYN republic: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in sport?
Josh: Balance and a fun/different approach. While I'm very serious about putting in the hard work to achieve my goals, I like to find time to pursue interests outside the sport. I think it's the key to longevity in a sport that's becoming more and more consuming, and I would like to think my approach is a model for others looking for a balance in their own approach to triathlon.
WYN republic: Who or what inspires you?
Josh: I'm inspired by the world around me. The landscapes, the communities, the cultures, and the way interactions with these groups make me feel. I love to pursue emotions and experiences, and the memories of these keeps me coming back for more.
WYN republic: What's your favorite WYN item?
Josh: That would be my wife Ashleigh Gentle. She's modest but determined, respectful but fierce on the race course, and only still finding out what she's capable of. Go Asha!
