Wherever you looked at the Asuncion World Cup, there were breakthroughs and firsts of one kind or another. Fresh off a personal best finish in Rio, Manami Hayashi (JPN) was back in the top-10 yet again. This time, the rising Japanese talent led out the swim for the first time at a World Cup, exemplifying the work she has done on the first discipline over the past year that has elevated her to new highs.
Moreover, Hollie Elliott (IRL) scored a first top-10 in Irish colours, Tjasa Vrtacic (SLO) improved her best World Cup finish to 4th, and Dylan McCullough (NZL) made it back to the top of a World Cup podium for the first time since his return from the injury that robbed him of his 2025 season.
Alongside McCullough, the breakthroughs were most pronounced on the podiums in Asuncion. For women’s race winner Danielle Orie (USA), her gold medal was her first on the World Cup circuit and followed a big victory at the Americas Championships in July.
“I think that ‘break the tape’ moment feels so special that after (the Americas Championships in) Chile, I was searching for it again,” said Orie. “Everyone wants to win and no one wants to lose, and the Italians put up a really good fight, so it was special to trust myself in that moment and finish it off.”
“The next step is doing it at the WTCS level, because that’s probably the closest reflection of an Olympic field when everyone shows up. So, step by step, but I’m definitely excited about where things are heading.”
“I’m heading home to Boulder to recharge a bit and then really gear up for the Pontevedra Final. I want to give that race the preparation it deserves and see what I can do at that next level.”
Orie was pushed all the way in Asuncion by Angelica Prestia (ITA), with the Italian taking the silver medal. This was a first podium for the double World U23 Championships medallist and comes after recent close calls in Edmonton (where she placed 7th) and Rio de Janeiro (where she finished 4th).
“I had an injury that stopped me for about a month before the 7th place in Edmonton, so I knew my shape would continue to improve race by race,” explained Prestia. “I kept trusting the process and enjoying racing as much as possible. I think that mindset made a big difference today, because I felt more confident and able to perform at my best when it mattered.”
Prestia crossed the line narrowly ahead of teammate Beatice Mallozzi (ITA) who in turn had edged Prestia out of the medals in Rio. As it happened, Mallozzi’s bronze in Rio was her first ever World Cup podium, and their performances over the past few weeks reflect an Italian squad that is certainly on the rise.
“Having athletes like Beatrice and many other strong Italian women competing at such a high level pushes all of us to improve every day,” said Prestia. “I think the most important thing is to maintain a healthy competition and stay focused on yourself and your own path.”
Meanwhile, in the men’s race, Justus Töpper (GER) battled his way to a maiden World Cup silver medal behind McCullough. After a string of medals, including his first international win, on the Africa Cup circuit earlier this year, Töpper has been on a tear. His successful 2026, though, has roots in previous years.
“I had a big build up in performance over the last three years. And after last year’s improvements and winning the Bundesliga (the German triathlon league) overall, I got my opportunity to fight for the 2028 Olympics as well.”
“To get into the WTCS level as fast as possible I had to start early this year and the Africa Cups were the first competitions available for me. I also needed to be in the top-150 of the world rankings under the national criteria to race World Cups. With the good start to the season I went to my first World Cup in Chengdu where I saw what I was lacking and how much I needed to improve.”
Ahead of Asuncion, “I did June and July in altitude to prepare. We ramped up the volume and intensity to a new level and saw huge improvements fast. So for my last three competitions I was really confident. Starting with the German Championships two weeks ago (where Töpper finished 2nd) I gained a lot of momentum and then improved my run PB in Rio a lot.”
“With my experience in middle distance, I saw my chance in Asuncion. I needed a top-5 for the WTCS criteria and to be able to start in Karlovy Vary. As the start list will be announced tomorrow, today was my last chance to make it count. So I did.”
In addition, 2022 World Junior Championships medallist Toby Powers (AUS) joined Töpper on the Asuncion podium for a first medal of his own. “It was amazing to finally get a World Cup podium. It was a great feeling!”
“I feel like over the last few seasons I’ve been slowly building and getting stronger and gaining more race experience. This year I took the jump and finally put my full time job as an electrician on hold in April and have been fully focusing on triathlon mentally and physically which I think has helped me make a big leap in my results.”
Powers also moved to Girona to be trained by Drew Box and the JFT crew last year. He described the move to a new country as a big learning curve, but also noted that, “this year I’ve felt more comfortable and my training has further progressed onwards.”
While Powers has made multiple podiums over the past few years, particularly on the Asia Cup scene, he had yet to medal at the senior level over the standard distance. That, however, changed in Asuncion.
“This has been a big confidence boost for me over the standard distance. This has been the first race I have felt like a complete athlete and gotten the standard distance correct. This has filled me with confidence for my next World Cup races.”