Australia is on the board at the 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Pontevedra, with a silver medal on the opening day thanks to a spirited performance from Adelle Parkinson-Need.
The South Australian delivered a gutsy effort in the 16–19 age group to claim second place in the Sprint Distance Duathlon and kick off the week in style for the Australian Age Group Team.
“Today’s race was absolutely amazing,” Parkinson-Need said post-race.
“I absolutely loved the bike course – up the hill, down the hill – the run course was incredible through the streets.”
The Tempo Systems Triathlon Club member said the chance to wear the green and gold had been years in the making – delivering a podium on debut making it even sweeter.
“I’ve been aiming for it since I was very young,” she said.
“To be able to come here today and do it means the world to me – it’s a dream come true.”
With one medal in hand, Parkinson-Need will line up again later in the week in the aquathlon event.
Australian flag-bearers Cameron Marshall and Georgia Powning were also in action on day one, Marshall finishing eighth in the 20–24 Male Age Group, while Powning claimed seventh in the 25–29 Female category.
For the five-time Australian Intellectual Impairment champions the opportunity to race for their country was a highlight.
“It means everything to me,” Marshall said.
“I’ve raced for Australia many times before. Every time I put on the green and gold, it means the world to me. It’s a huge honour and a huge privilege.”
The opening day of competition also saw the Duathlon World Championship titles contested in the elite races, where Arron Nitschke was the best-performing Australian, finishing 23rd in a stacked international field.
More multisport action continues on day two of the Championships, with athletes set to take on the Standard Distance Duathlon.
For full results from the World Triathlon Duathlon Championships, click here.
