Representing your country in the World Triathlon Age-Group Championships is an incredible honour. It’s the culmination of hard work, dedication and passion. Age-Group athletes have the unique opportunity to wear their nation’s colours on a global stage, standing alongside athletes from all over the world. This level of competition pushes participants to give their absolute best, not only to achieve personal goals but also to contribute to their country’s overall success. For many, it’s a chance to embody the spirit of international sportsmanship, showcasing both their athletic abilities and national pride, while also fostering camaraderie with fellow athletes who share the same passion. Hear from a series of World Triathletes who are competing in the 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Torremolinos.
Julie Zeller, Team Australia
“I am really excited. It’s such an honour to represent Australia and do something in an amazing part of the world. Seeing other people do this and see friends do this and see the world and do triathlon at the same time, inspired me to do it. It would be great the rest of the world see Australia, come and do ssome touring as part of racing in Wollongong next year.”
Philip Hays, Team Australia
“This is our third World Championships, my son and I, it’s great to meet all the different people. I make friends at each race and catch up with them and support each other. I never thought I would go to a World Championships but to go with my son is the best thing ever. To represent Australia is the best thing I could think of in a sporting career.”
Ronan Hays, Team Australia
“It’s really special. I love training and racing with my dad, it’s really good fun. I always dreamed of putting on the green and gold, to do it in triathlon is amazing. Race day goal would be podium, I really want to get a medal for Australia.”
Malcolm Smith, Team GB
“Over the moon, I feel so privileged, it’s a dream come true. I just want to get out there and enjoy the atmosphere and do my absolute best. It’s a bit more than a team, there’s a real family atmosphere, everybody loves triathlon and it’s so many people’s lifestyle, it’s not just a sport, it’s becomes part of their routine and pattern of life. You’ve got so much in common no matter where they’ve come from around the world.”
Callum Smith, Team GB
“I am here with my dad, we’ve both qualified to do the Standard triathlon. It’s amazing, it’s beyond words, especially father and son racing, there are no words for it, I am extremely proud.”
Inge Gillesberg, Team Denmark
“I am really excited for tomorrow, it’s going to be a big party, that is what I am dreaming about. I am really proud, we are only a small country but I am really proud to be part of this.”
Dr. Zoltán Varga, Team Hungary
“It’s a great feeling, I’ve been doing triathlon for a long time. Tomorrow will be the 38th anniversary of my first triathlon. I have done a few World Triathlon races bur more recently I started coming to the World Championships. I am hoping to can encourage my fellow sportsmen and triathletes in Hungary to come and represent Hungary.”
Mrs. Satomi Tamai, Team Japan
“This is my second World Championship, my first time was in 2018 on the Gold Coast. Spain is so far from Japan so it took a long time to get here so it’s a tough thing for me but it’s exciting. Actually until now we just visited some sightseeing and we are enjoying the atmosphere of the race, we made some friends in the restaurant of the hotel and we had a nice chat.”
Mr. Tatsuhiro Nagase, Team Japan
“It’s an honour for me. I started triathlon with the goal to compete in this World Championships. It’s my first time!”
Raelene Rees, Team New Zealand
“We’ve always been really fit but we really got into it in the last few years. It’s our 30th wedding anniversary so we’re celebrating that here.”
Dean Rees, Team New Zealand
“Pretty proud. We get to wear the silver fern which represents our nation.”
Ryan Marfell, Team New Zealand
“I grew up in New Zealand and came from mountain biking and learnt to run and then got a coach and he threw me in the pool and it developed from there. I love te sport. It’s pretty cool to represent your country, it’s special. I looked up to Hayden Wilde, I managed to train with him when I was younger, he was really an idol tomorrow. For tomorrow, to go out and enjoy it and see what I can do.”
Be sure to follow all the blue carpet finish line moments, of the 2024 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships Torremolinos, streamed on TriathlonLive.tv and the World Triathlon YouTube channel.
Feeling inspired to represent your country in triathlon? Take the first step towards your journey by reaching out to your National Federation today, find out about the qualification pathway into World Triathlon events and discover how you can make your dreams a reality.