Background
Gambles was born in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England and moved with his family to Australia at age three.
Gambles was born in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England and moved with his family to Australia at age three.
In 2011 he placed second at the International Telecommunication Union Long Distance Triathlon World Championships and in 2013 he finished third at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
Athletically, he began running at five or six years old in local clubs. He raced as a professional for the first time at 16 as a "wildcard" before competing as an elite age group athlete for two seasons winning each race he entered. This success culminated in the 2000 World Championships when Joe took second in the 16- to 19-year-old category.
These results led to Gambles being named the Australian Junior Triathlete of the year.
From 2001 to 2004 Gambles focused on obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce at university while still competing in events in Australia, including the Triathlon Australia Accenture Series. After graduating he became a full-time athlete.
Gambles would transition from draft legal to non-drafting races, a style of racing that better suited him, particularly half-iron and iron-distances.
