Rising Australian triathlon talent Addison Houslip will represent Australia at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, after securing automatic selection with a breakthrough performance at the Oceania Championships in Devonport earlier this year.
With only one female quota spot available for Australia in triathlon, Houslip delivered under pressure to claim victory in challenging circumstances, crossing the line first to meet the automatic selection criteria and ultimately her place on the Australian team.
The Youth Olympic Games, to be held from 31 October to 13 November in Dakar, mark the next step in Houslip’s rapid ascent through the sport. The event continues Australia’s strong history at the Youth Olympic Games in triathlon, with Ellie Salthouse winning silver in 2010 and Brittany Dutton securing gold in 2014.
Houslip’s love for triathlons began early. Growing up in Queensland, she completed her first race at the Bribie Triathlon at just seven years old, riding a BMX bike and finishing near the back of the field, but immediately hooked. Weekend racing soon became routine, travelling across Southeast Queensland to events at Robina, Raby Bay and Caloundra, where she steadily improved and built confidence.
“I think I came second last… but for some reason I loved it,” Houslip recalled, reflecting on the moment that sparked a lifelong passion.
From those early kids events, she progressed through school and state pathways, developing into one of the country’s most promising junior athletes. Since 2022, she has claimed five School Sport Australia national titles, an indication of both her consistency and competitive drive.
Now based in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, Houslip continues to benefit from Queensland’s strong triathlon environment, with year-round access to high-quality training facilities, open water conditions as well as support from the QAS and the AusTriathlon High Performance program.
Built on strong support: coach and family
Central to Houslip’s development has been the guidance of coach Peter McKenzie (Race Pace Coaching), whose athlete-centred approach has helped refine both her performance and mindset.
Rather than relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all programming, McKenzie works closely with Houslip to adapt sessions around her wellbeing, school commitments and recovery, particularly critical during her recent injury challenges.
“He’s the first person that’s treated it like a real conversation… it’s not just being told what to do, it’s working through what’s best for that day,” Houslip said.
That balance, knowing when to push and when to pull back has been especially important given her natural drive to do more, with McKenzie playing a key role in keeping her on track.
Equally important has been the unwavering support of her parents, her mum Erin and her father, have helped her navigate both the highs and the challenges of an elite sporting pathway.
Erin said her daughter’s resilience and work ethic have been defining characteristics from an early age.
“She just has the most grit of anyone I’ve ever met… she never gives up, and she always finds a way to keep moving forward, no matter what’s in front of her.”
Triumph through adversity
Houslip’s selection for Dakar was anything but straightforward.
In the lead-up to Devonport, she was managing thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that caused severe compression in her arm, limiting blood flow and significantly impacting her ability to swim.
Despite effectively swimming with one functioning arm, she executed a bold race plan, staying in contention on the bike before relying on her strength on the run to surge to victory.
“It was a bit of a miracle result,” her mum Erin reflected, given the circumstances.
Just weeks later, Houslip underwent major surgery to address the issue, beginning a challenging rehabilitation process. True to form, she attacked recovery with the same determination she shows in racing, walking laps of the hospital ward within days and committing fully to her return.
Eyes on Dakar and beyond
Now back in training, Houslip is preparing for a busy international campaign, including racing in Europe and the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Pontevedra, Spain, as she builds toward the Youth Olympic Games.
Balancing elite sport with her studies at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, the Year 11 student continues to excel academically while pursuing her long-term ambitions in triathlon.
Houslip said the opportunity to represent Australia at the Youth Olympic Games is one she intends to embrace.
“It’s such a rare opportunity… I’m going to soak it all in and see what I can produce this year. It’s a step towards the ultimate goal of competing at the Olympic Games.”
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, Houslip’s selection signals the emergence of a new generation of Australian triathlon talent, driven by passion and grit, supported by a strong network, and ready to make their mark on the world stage.
