AusTriathlon is pleased to announce the Australian Flag Bearers that will represent the host country at the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport World Championships Townsville.
Long-time triathletes and joint Australians of the Year Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO will fly the flag for Australia at what will be the largest sporting spectacle ever to be held in Townsville.
AusTriathlon CEO, Tim Harradine, says the pair, recognised for their revolutionary approach to treating melanomas, could not be more deserving of the honour.
“AusTriathlon is honoured to announce Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO as the Australian Flag Bearers for the prestigious World Triathlon Multisport World Championships set to take place in Townsville this August,” Harradine said.
“The work both Georgina and Richard have done is truly groundbreaking, and as passionate triathletes and competitors themselves, there is no one more deserving to lead our nation at the opening ceremony.”
Long is proud to have been selected as an Australian Flag Bearer for the event, especially alongside her long-term colleague and friend.
“Carrying the flag for the Australian team is a huge honour,” Long said.
“To also be able to do this with my colleague and friend Richard, 18 months after his diagnosis of the worst kind of brain cancer, is a huge milestone.
“We have worked together towards the goal of zero deaths from melanoma for nearly two decades. For me to be able to devise and deliver a radical plan to help him fills me with pride for what can be achieved.”
For Scolyer, who will be competing at the event with his two eldest children, being named as a flag bearer is an honour he will never forget.
“I can’t put it into words how joyous and proud I am to be representing Australia alongside my kids, and to be named joint Flag Bearer with Georgina as well is just so special,” he said.
“For me, my reality is that this might be my last opportunity to represent my country, so I’m honoured to have been asked and thankful to AusTriathlon for not only their support of me but my family as well.”
A long-time competitor who has competed in everything from local events through to IRONMAN 70.3 events, Scolyer encourages all competitors to be sun safe whilst out on the course.
“Australia is such a great country and so many of us love to take part and compete in sport, but sun safety is also very important, and we all need to be as sun smart as possible to reduce the risk of cancer,” he said.
“There’s so many different ways to be sun smart, so look after yourself and encourage those around you to do the same.”
Long echoed Scolyer’s encouragement, emphasising melanoma is Australia’s national cancer.
“We have the highest incidence in the world. It is also the number one diagnosed cancer in Australia in 20 to 39-year-olds,” she said.
“Over 95% of melanomas in Australia are caused by the sun and sun safety is number one.
“This is a critical message for Australian triathletes, and for us in the sport to think how we can minimise this risk.”
Australia will send its largest Australian Age Group Team of over 1,000 athletes to the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport World Championships Townsville.
The 12-day event is set to be held from 14-25 August and will include 19 World Championship races across five different levels of athletes, including age group, para triathletes, junior, under 23 and elites.
For more information on the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport World Championships Townsville, click here.
To learn more about the Australian Age Group Team headed to Townsville, click here.
