It was a sea of green and gold on the streets of Wollongong as Team Australia made a stunning start to the World Triathlon Championship Finals, storming to 39 World Championship titles across the Standard Distance and Aquabike events on day one.
Australia fielded the largest age group team in our history with 1,201 athletes lining up at the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong, the largest of any nation. The next largest contingents have traveled from the USA (354), New Zealand (265) and Great Britain (225), all adding to the incredible international atmosphere that has descended on Wollongong this week, with a total field of 2,639 competitors representing 45 countries.
The day’s racing showcased the spirit, dedication and community that sit at the heart of triathlon are alive and well, not only in this country, but around the world.
Among the standout performances was Australian triathlon icon Michellie Jones, who continues to defy limits, claiming yet another World Championship title in the 55–59 age group. The day was also a proud one for Team Australia Flag Bearer, Maureen Cummings, who backed up her ceremonial duties with an impressive third place finish in her age group.
Meanwhile, Tom Franks, one of our Road to Wollongong storytellers who has shared his training journey with fans in the lead-up to the event, delivered an outstanding race, clocking 2:00:01 to take second in his age group and fourth overall from a field of 1,123 athletes.
“The energy out there was incredible,” said Franks. “Every corner was filled with Aussie supporters; it was the best atmosphere I’ve ever raced in.”
With more racing still to come, Team Australia’s early success sets the tone for an exciting week of world-class competition on home soil.
Event Fun Facts
| Total Team Size | 1,201 athletes |
| Total Field | 2,639 athletes |
| Countries Represented | 45 |
| Next Largest Nations | USA (354), New Zealand (265), Great Britain (225) |
| World Titles Won (Day 1) | 39 (20 Standard Distance, 19 Aquabike) |
| Youngest Athlete | Eva Mowbray – 16 years old (born 2009) |
| Oldest Athlete | Lachlan Lewis – 87 years old (born 1937) |
| Overall Finishers in Standard Distance | 1,123 |
| Overall Finishers in Aquabike | 425 |
