From Break to Breakthrough: Hill’s hiatus paves path to Under 23 Worlds

15 Oct 2024

Photo Credit: Chris Huang

Richelle Hill’s journey to triathlon’s world stage has been anything but conventional, marked by a five-year hiatus from the sport.

Now, after a return to elite competition and a rapid rise that she could not have imagined, she’s set to take on the World Triathlon Under 23 Championships in Torremolinos, Spain.

The 22-year-old did not follow the traditional pathway to elite triathlon. In fact, she stepped away from competitive triathlon completely following her final year of high school, uncertain about her future in the sport.

Despite a strong foundation as a youth and junior competitor in Queensland’s triathlon scene, she chose to pursue a degree in education while launching her own business and balancing multiple jobs.

“I always wanted triathlon to be part of my life but I was unsure of in what way,” Hill said.

“I think I was confused. I feel like a lot of people are when they just leave school.

“I felt really lost at that point in my life. Especially at 17, I was so young. There are so many opportunities that are thrown in your direction.

“I wasn’t part of any pathway or performance group and that may have played a role in the clarity of the direction that I headed in.

“I’m thankful I had the experiences that I did and that I didn’t jump straight into it. But I definitely think that five-year gap changed my approach to triathlon.”

Hill remained connected to the sport, participating in local events like the Noosa Triathlon and the Airlie Beach Triathlon, purely for the enjoyment of it.

These races kept her passion for triathlon alive and allowed her to grow her love for the sport.

“I kept it up for fitness, I definitely wasn’t pushing it as hard as I am now,” Hill said.

“This is a sport that I always loved, and I don’t think I ever lost love for the sport.

“I’ve formed more of a love for it, especially doing more of the local races. The races in Australia have constructed a really great atmosphere in the sport and I love it more.”

With that renewed love, Hill jumped back into elite competition this season with unexpected success. In just her third race back, she secured a silver medal at the Oceania Triathlon Championships in Taupo, New Zealand.

She made her World Triathlon Cup debut in Wollongong a week later, where she impressed with a 15th-place finish – a result which, combined with her silver medal in Taupo, saw her meet the automatic nomination criteria for the World Triathlon Under 23 Championships.

Her season continued to gain momentum, with more standout performances along the way. She captured a silver medal at the World Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Townsville and claimed a bronze at the Asia Triathlon Cup in Gamagori.

Looking back on her rapid rise, Hill admitted she could never have imagined how quickly things would fall into place.

“This all took off so fast,” Hill said.

“I was planning for this year to be a really slow introduction to the sport, and I wasn’t ready initially because it was all overwhelming.

“But then I was like; ‘No, take what comes. There is no pressure. I can just develop along with these opportunities.

“It’s really surreal at this point, that I’m overseas competing as a triathlete. It’s made it more real that I am a professional triathlete now, and it’s really exciting the opportunities that could arise from this. I’m really excited to see what I’m capable of at this level.

“I need to back myself with what I’m capable of. I know my training has shown I’m capable of a lot and I feel I should just back myself and know I can be up there.”

Hill’s journey is further enriched by the guidance of her mother and coach, Rina Hill, an Olympian who represented Australia in the Athens 2004 Games.

Rina’s wealth of experience and insights has been instrumental for Hill as she transitions back into competitive racing – her dual role as both coach and parent providing a unique support system.

“She’s influenced it in a massive way, without putting pressure on me,” Hill said.

“She’s always been a role model and I learn more about her experiences every day. Its not like I knew everything about her and what she accomplished. Its been something I’ve learned more and more about. Within those experiences I’m like ‘Wow, that sounds great. I want to have those same experiences.’

“The way she approaches parenting and coaching is really positive. I love having her there, not only as my coach but as a key support figure. I learn more about her experiences every day and I feel like that best prepares me as well.

“I don’t get overwhelmed about her accomplishments; it makes her more incredible.”

Ahead of the 2024 World Triathlon Under 23 Championships, Hill reflects on her unconventional path back to triathlon, emphasising the importance of self-discovery.

Her experiences have shaped her belief that everyone’s path in triathlon is different, and she encourages aspiring athletes to embrace their individual journeys.

“I’m much more sure of myself and I think that is the biggest thing that has changed,” Hill said.

“I was so unsure about everything and what path I should follow, what I’m capable of. Now I feel I’ve got the confidence to step up and make myself proud.

“Don’t feel pressured to be like anyone else – go take your own journey. If that steers you back to the sport, fantastic. If that steers you other ways, fantastic. Enjoy your own path and don’t feel pressured to following everyone else.

“That’s our purpose in the sport. We’re here to inspire and help others. This sport is so beneficial to any level of athlete, whether they’re a novice or professional – this sport brings so much happiness and support.”

 

World Triathlon Under 23 Championships
Thursday, October 17 – 5:05pm AEDT
TriathlonLive

Under 23 Women
Richelle Hill

Full Start List

 

Related Posts