Nigel Aylott (1966 – 2004)

Nigel once quoted “Everyman dies but not every man lives”. Nigel was definitely one who lived life to the fullest, last year taking a redundancy from a senior Telstra position to race and train full time. Nigel loved adventure racing and we loved adventure racing with Nigel. Adventure racing suited Nigel because there were just too many great things to see and do in the world for a simple sport to satisfy him. Nigel loved competing. But whilst he loved to do well he was also happy to race with anyone, anytime and anywhere. Nigel just hated to miss out on anything. In July this year Nigel flew to Arizona, USA for the world rogaining championships – even though he didn’t have a partner yet.

Team AROC was our adventure racing family and we always had a great time together. Our motto was “to have fun, enjoy life and find Nigel a wife”. We always had fun out there on the course. This year at the Subaru Primal Quest we had so many comments about what a great fun team we were and as a result there were so many people here barracking for us. Nigel was so many things in our team. He was the quirky one, sometimes just so annoying, sometimes so lovable, the one that told things just how he saw them. To quote a condolence note from Tory Thomas;

“His capacity for extremes was phenomenal – he was so capable and strong and hard, yet so incredibly gentle and loyal to his friends”

The best thing was that we loved Nigel for exactly who he was. As well he was a great team member. He was the packhorse that carried all the extra team gear. Always strong, always dependable. He was tireless and so full of energy, the key to Team AROC’s success was our team and how well we got on.

In honor of his memory, the Nigel Aylott Memorial Trust has been established by Nigel Aylott’s family. This trust will be a family directed charity that benefits Australian Adventure racing, an obvious passion of Nigel’s. Final details of this trust are to be established. If you wish to make a donation to this trust, please contact your bank and direct your funds as follows:

Nigel Aylott Memorial Trust
Bank: National Australia Bank
BSB: 083 638
Account Number: 574 640 015
Swift Code: NATAAU3303M

If you would like to read more about Nigel's life or tell your own story go to Nigel's tribute page on www.sleepmonsters.com.au

"As an AR photojournalist, 'Nige' was a nightmare. He hardly spoke, he always smiled at the camera and his helmet was always wonky - that's what we loved about him..." - Mark Watson

"Nigel was never interested in 'good enough' he always had to push himself to gain the best results at all costs. He will be sadly missed by all those who ran, rogained, orienteered, swam, biked, bush walked etc with him." - Mal Grimmett

“The adventure racing community has lost one of the most humble, unassuming, inspiring, and world class adventure racers around. It is a truly great loss.”