Australia’s Maeve Goehner and Sarah Watson stood atop the podium in Townsville ten months ago, celebrating emotional victories after claiming duathlon world titles.
This week, they gear up to defend them on Spanish soil, leading a strong Australian Age Group Team into the 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Pontevedra.
For Goehner, who won the 20–24 age category in her first World Championships appearance in Townsville, the experience remains unforgettable – not only for the result but the meaning behind it.
“It meant the world to me, truly more than I can express,” Goehner said.
“Making my debut on the world stage was already a surreal experience, but winning on home soil made it deeply emotional, especially because I was racing in honour of my late Opa, who was always my biggest supporter. He would have been so proud.
“The moment I realised I’d won was unlike anything I’ve ever felt. My coach, Dani Andres, high-fived me 400 meters from the finish line and yelled for me to push hard to the end and at that point, I knew I had it.
“Seeing my family as I came into the final stretch was the icing on the cake. Their cheers carried me all the way to the finish.”
Now, almost a year on, the Pulse Performance Team member prepares to defend her world title in Pontevedra, equally focused on growth and the bigger picture – moving closer to her ultimate goal of racing at the elite level.
“Defending my title is definitely one of my top priorities, but for this event in particular, my focus is on sharpening my race skills and continuing to grow as an athlete,” Goehner said.
“Townsville was a valuable learning experience. It taught me a great deal about race strategy and my own capabilities. Now, as a more experienced athlete, I see Pontevedra as another opportunity to build on that foundation and take another step toward competing at the elite level. “
For the 22-year-old, wearing the green and gold and representing Australia is a deeply meaningful honour.
“There’s no feeling like it,” she said.
“For me, it’s not just about showcasing who I am as an athlete or the hard work I’ve put into training. It’s also about representing my friends, family, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey.
“It’s never just an individual race, it’s a team effort. When I cross that finish line, I carry all of them with me.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by teammate and returning 45–49 age group world champion Sarah Watson
A proud member of the Yass Valley Triathlon Club and a veteran of the Australian Defence Force, Watson says representing Australia remains as meaningful as ever.
“It’s not just a racing kit – it represents pride, service, and identity,” she said.
“Standing on an international start line in Australian colours feels like a continuation of my service, just in a different uniform. After being medically retired from the Army, triathlon gave me back a sense of structure, purpose, and belonging. It’s played a huge role in supporting my mental health.
“Every time I wear the green and gold, I carry all of that with me. It’s emotional. It’s powerful. And it means everything.”
The 47-year-old’s Townsville triumph capped off years of hard work across multiple World Championship campaigns.
“It was my seventh World Championship event, and until then, the best I’d finished was fifth,” Watson said.
“To finally stand on top of the podium – after years of near misses, setbacks, and steady effort – felt surreal.
“When I crossed the line and realised I’d won, I was overwhelmed. It was a mix of disbelief, relief, and pride. It felt like every sacrifice and all the work I’d put into the sport had finally come together in that moment.”
With the title of world champion in hand, Watson heads to Pontevedra determined to race with the same tenacity and poise that led to her breakthrough win.
“My goal is to defend the title in Pontevedra. But more than chasing the result, I want to race with the same grit, focus, and composure that earned me the win last year,” she said.
“The field will be strong again, and anything can happen on the day, but I’m preparing to show up as the best version of myself. If I can race hard, stay present, and leave it all out there, I’ll be proud – whatever the result.”
The 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships will be held from June 20–29 and will see athletes competing in various multisport events.
For more information on the 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships, click here.
