AusTriathlon is pleased to announce the Australian Flag Bearers that will represent our team and country at the 2024 World Triathlon Age Group Championships in Torremolinos-Andalucía, Spain.
In celebration of their continuing careers, renowned triathletes Phillip Hermitage and Michellie Jones AM will carry the flag for Australia, representing the Green and Gold on what will be their sixteenth and fifth Australian Age Group Triathlon Team respectively.
Hermitage was recently crowned World Triathlon Multisport Legend at the 2024 Multisport World Championships in Townsville, where he competed for Australia in six races across multiple disciplines.
He says the opportunity to carry the Australian flag is a special one.
“To have been chosen to carry the flag when there are so many worthy competitors is an enormous honour,” said Hermitage.
“My journey in triathlon started after retiring from international gymnastics in 1984. The sport was in its infancy and has come a long way, we used to use wire strung between trees for a bike rack and swim in Speedos instead of a wetsuit.
“I made my first Australian team in 2000 at the duathlon in Calais, France and now, 16 teams and 27 starts later, I’m still going.
“For me, getting to the start line, competing and getting to the finish line is a measure of the challenge I’ve faced over the years with various health battles and the character and resilience I’ve shown.
“I’ll be carrying the flag to represent not just my own, but everyone’s individual journeys,” he said.
Silver medallist from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Jones’s impressive resume includes an IRONMAN World Championship title, two ITU World Championships, and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games gold as Guide for Katie Kelly.
Widely considered as one the sports most decorated athletes, Jones is an esteemed addition to the Australian Age Group Triathlon Team, winning world titles in 2014 and 2017.
The AusTriathlon Hall of Fame member will join Hermitage in carrying the flag with pride.
The four day event, taking place from October 17-20 as part of the World Triathlon Championship Finals, will see champions crowned in the Age Group Standard distance, Age Group Sprint distance, Age Group Aquabike Standard distance and Age Group Mixed Relay World Championships.
The event marks the first time since the 2019 Finals in Lausanne that all five categories – Elite, Para, Under 23, Junior, and Age Group – will crown world champions at the same event.
For more information on the 2024 World Triathlon Age Group Championships, click here
