Australia has celebrated an outstanding World Triathlon Age Group Championship campaign in Torremolinos, Spain, crowning five world champions and securing a total of eleven medals.
The Australian team, consisting of 112 age group athletes, competed across Sprint, Standard, Aquabike, and Mixed Relay events from October 17-20 as part of the World Triathlon Championship Finals.
Christian Seymour became the first Australian to claim a world title at the championships, winning gold in the 60-65 age group of the Sprint event. He was one of two Australians to secure two medals, adding a bronze in the Standard event two days later.
Australian Flag Bearer Michellie Jones matched the feat, earning silver in the 55-59 age group in both the Sprint and Standard events.
Jane Mountford (75-79 Female) capped off Australia’s success in the sprint event with a bronze medal finish.
“It’s been a long journey,” Seymore said, reflecting on his World Championship win.
“I actually thought I had come in second until a guy said ‘you’ve won!’ – that was nice. It was a good feeling.
“I don’t think it’s quiet sunk in yet. It’s just been such a long journey and I really appreciate the support that I’ve had from my family to help get here.
“I love Australia, I love representing Australia and its just lovely to get out and do the best I possibly can.”
The Standard Championship emerged as Australia’s standout event, with the team claiming an impressive eight medals and crowning four world champions.
Alongside Seymour’s bronze in the 60-65 category, Kyle Robinson (20-24 Male) also claimed a bronze medal. While, Bailey Tuddenham (18-19 Male), Lauren Sprague (20-24 Female), and Alana Hewish (30-34 Female) all captured world titles.
Sprague’s triumph was particularly impressive given she had competed in the World Triathlon Para Championships just the day before, serving as a guide for visually impaired para triathlete Maggie Sandles.
“My priority is always the para side of things,” Sprague said.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities it provides.
“To be able to combine that with doing age group stuff is great, honestly. It keeps me on my toes.
“I wasn’t expecting it (world title) so it’s pretty great. I didn’t hear them call it out as I went through so it wasn’t until I got through all the athletes that I found out. It was pretty exciting once I did find out.”
Tuddenham was equally elated with his victory in the 18-19 Male category.
“Thrilled to take the win yesterday in the Under 19 Standard Triathlon World Championship in a really tough race,” Tuddenham shared via Instagram.
“Fast swim dynamic, hilly and windy tough bike course and a hard run.
“This one means a lot and I’m super excited to see what we can achieve in the future.”
In the Aquabike Championships, Ken Murley (80-84 Male) clinched Australia’s final world title, while Mark Preston secured silver in the 70-74 age group.
World Triathlon Age Group Sprint Championships
🥇 Christian Seymour (60-64 Male)
🥈 Michellie Jones (55-59 Female)
🥉 Jane Mountford (75-79 Female)
World Triathlon Age Group Standard Championships
🥇 Bailey Tuddenham (18-19 Male)
🥇 Lauren Sprague (20-24 Female)
🥇 Alana Hewish (30-34 Female)
🥈 Michellie Jones (55-59 Female)
🥉 Kyle Robinson (20-24 Male)
🥉 Christian Seymour (60-64 Male)
World Triathlon Age Group Aquabike Championships
🥇 Ken Murley (80-84 Male)
🥈 Mark Preston (70-74 Male)
