As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on another remarkable year for Australian triathlon. From our stars making their mark on the world stage to thrilling victories and moments that inspired us all, there were no shortage of headlines to celebrate.
Here are fifteen of the top stories that defined AusTriathlon in 2024:
Parker wins gold at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
After the narrowest of defeats in Tokyo, Lauren Parker claimed a seine-sational gold medal at September’s Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Wollongong named to host the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals
In January, a landmark three-year partnership between AusTriathlon, the NSW Government and Wollongong City Council saw the World Triathlon Executive Board approve the awarding of the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals to Wollongong.
First Nations athletes make history at IRONMAN Australia
TriMob’s inaugural IRONMOB Project reached a triumphant conclusion on Birpai Country in May, with all six First Nations athletes successfully completing IRONMAN Australia. These athletes joined a select group of just 13 known First Nations individuals who have achieved the feat of completing an IRONMAN.
Hauser secures Australia’s best men’s Olympic triathlon result in two decades
In August, Matt Hauser’s seventh-place finish in Paris marked the best result by an Australian man at the Olympics in 20 years, surpassed only by Greg Bennett’s fourth-place finish at Athens 2004 and Mile Stewart’s sixth-place finish at Sydney 2000.
Townsville hosts World Triathlon Multisport Championships
August’s 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships marked Townsville’s largest sporting event to date. Team Aus delivered an outstanding campaign, securing their best results at the event with more than 280 podium finishes across 19 World Championship races.
Willian secures Paris spot with bronze, Hauser takes silver in Yokohama
Luke Willian delivered the biggest performance of his career at May’s World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama, clinching bronze and securing his spot at 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Olympic teammate Matt Hauser joined him on the podium with a silver medal – the first time in a decade two Australian men shared a World Triathlon Championship Series podium.
Marshall makes World Triathlon debut in Townsville
Three-time Australian Intellectual Impairment Champion Cameron Marshall stepped onto the global stage at August’s World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Townsville.
Graham triumphs in triathlon comeback at Silver Sands
Keren Graham marked a major milestone in her incredible triathlon comeback journey at February’s Silver Sands Triathlon, completing her longest race since a life-changing bike accident in 2018.
Tassie teens take the baton from Birtwhistle
Devonport showcased a Tasmanian triathlon generational shift as Olympian Jake Birtwhistle hinted at his swansong in March’s Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships, while two teenagers, Jack Woodberry and Jack Latham, announced their arrival on the elite stage.
ACT Joins AusTriathlon Operating Model
In October, ACT Triathlon officially joined AusTriathlon’s Operating Model, becoming the sixth State and Territory Triathlon Association to align with the national framework.
Sunshine Coast crowns Aquathlon and All Schools Champions
The Sunshine Coast set the stage for a double celebration of sport at the Queensland Aquathlon State Championships and the All Schools Triathlon and Aquathlon, held at Kawana Lake in October.
Triathlon a star at the Alice Springs Masters Games
After a six-year hiatus, the Alice Springs Masters Games made a triumphant return in October, hosting 1,240 participants across 23 sports – including 70 triathletes.
Finish Lines… not Finish Times Program returns for 2025
In November, NSW Triathlon revealed the return of the widely acclaimed Finish Lines…Not Finish Times program for 2025, aiming to inspire and empower women through triathlon.
Busselton Festival of Triathlon wins Community Sporting Event of the Year Award
In March, WA Triathlon’s 2023 SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon was honoured with the Community Sporting Event of the Year award at the WA Sport Awards.
Medical pioneers & triathlon teammates named 2024 Australians of the Year
January saw Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO announced as 2024 Australians of the Year, celebrating their transformative impact in medicine. The pair were later named as flag bearers for the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Townsville.
