Former Backflow Student Returns to Gainesville for World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships
Philip Hniat, hailing from Tasmania, Australia, attended a Backflow Tester course at the University of Florida TREEO Center back in 1989, marking a significant milestone as the first individual in Australia to earn a backflow tester certification. Since then, Hniat has dedicated his career to the backflow prevention industry, playing a key role in its growth and development across Australia.
In addition to his professional achievements, Hniat is also a passionate track and field athlete. Last month, he returned to Gainesville to compete in the World Masters Indoor Championships. Hniat placed in the top ten overall in the pentathlon and set a new Australian record in the 1000-meter run, a testament to his dedication to both athletics and his professional endeavors.
While in Gainesville, Hniat visited the TREEO Center where his backflow career journey began. During his visit, he spoke with Backflow Program Coordinator Marta Keilhauer and Lead Instructor Robb Wolf, reflecting on how backflow prevention has evolved since his first course more than three decades ago. Their conversation offered Hniat the opportunity to share insights from his field experience and discuss the international growth of backflow practices, particularly in Australia. He also met with Director Andrew Campbell and Assistant Director of Operations Lauren McCain, who shared valuable perspectives on the future of both the backflow program and the TREEO Center as a whole.
Hniat’s dedication to backflow prevention and his ongoing contributions to the field have established him as a respected professional. His passion for both his career and athletics reflects his drive to excel and inspire others, leaving a lasting impact on the backflow industry in Australia while maintaining a competitive spirit on the global stage.
Interested in taking a backflow course? View our current course offerings here.
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