We’re celebrating our NSW athletes who competed at the 2026 Age Group World Champs in Pontevedra, Spain. Each athlete dedicated themselves to a season of tough racing to qualify for their age group place on Team Australia and travelled across the world to proudly represent the green and gold (and blue).
Across our NSW triathlon community, we’re fortunate to have athletes whose stories reflect resilience, gratitude and a deep love for the sport. Newcastle Triathlon Club’s Meg Isbester is one of them and her recent performance at the 2026 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain was nothing short of exceptional.
Meg has been part of NSW Triathlon since her junior days, and she’s passionate about empowering other women in the sport. “I’m so grateful to NSW Triathlon over the years as a junior and now as an age group athlete,” she says, a sentiment that shines through in the way she races and the way she supports others.
This year marked Meg’s first international race and her third World Championships, and she delivered a career‑defining performance: 4th place in the 30–34 age group standard distance triathlon.
It was a result built on determination. Last year, Meg battled a stress fracture just two weeks before the Wollongong World Championships – racing through it, but knowing she had unfinished business. Pontevedra became her redemption race.
And she rose to it.
Meg exited the water in 7th place, held her position on the bike, and then unleashed one of the fastest runs of the entire age group, closing a four‑minute gap to finish just 90 seconds off the podium. She crossed the blue carpet with a second‑fastest run in her category, only four seconds off the the fastest.
But beyond the numbers, Meg shared it was the experience that left its mark.
“The atmosphere, the athletes, the volunteers, the officials, the hills and the old town are all moments I will cherish forever,” Meg says. “It was incredible.”
With her confidence high and her passion stronger than ever, Meg is already looking ahead.
“I will be back for more World Champs in coming years and I really appreciate the support NSW Triathlon provides us athletes.”
We can’t wait to see where her journey takes Meg next 💚💛
