For Queenslander Christian Seymour, what began as a casual attempt at a local triathlon in the mid-1990s has grown into a lifelong journey through the sport.
“I did my first triathlon around 1995 when I was working in Karratha in the North West of Western Australia,” Seymour said.
“I considered myself to be an okay swimmer and a half decent runner, so I thought I would give it a go.
“There were a few local races to enter which were all pretty relaxed, but the problem was I couldn’t ride a bike to save myself!
“Sure I could turn the pedals over and keep it upright, but I had no idea of how to train to really go fast.
“In 1998 I came back to Brisbane and joined a cycling group with a coach that used to ride with us which was where I actually learned to ride.
“It was in 2002 that I raced at the ITU World Championships with the Australian Age Group Team in what I would still consider to be one of the hardest races I have ever done.
“Then a move to London in 2007 for about 16 years and the arrival of children meant that I only started training and racing triathlons again in 2016.
“Now back in Brisbane I train with the Red Dog Triathlon Training club and it’s a great club with a performance based ethos which suits my goal oriented approach to life.
“I love doing the swim squads and run track sessions and I have had a number of coaches and been involved with a number of clubs both in Australia and in the UK during my time in the sport, each giving me slightly different insights and perspectives on how to get the most out of my body.”
With many years of experience in triathlon, Christian has learnt how to manage his races and is looking forward to executing a strong race in front of a supportive home crowd in Wollongong.
“My biggest highlight in the sport would have to be my podium finish in the Torremolinos standard distance championships last year,” he said.
“The race was just such a tough day at the office, having won the Age Group Sprint World Championship two days prior I was completely emotionally drained.
“In fact half way through the standard distance bike leg I felt like hopping off my bike and going to sleep, I was just so tired.
“Then my back tightened up to such an extent on the run that I had to slow down to get it under control, so to finish 3rd was even more satisfying than the win.
“The other event I really love, and it’s been a great addition to the sport, is the mixed team relay.
“Triathlon is such an individual sport that being part of a team for the event is just a lot of fun.
“I am a proud Australian and am really looking forward to racing on home soil in Wollongong.
“I have also raced for the Great Britain team and had success in Montreal with the team in 2022, however I always considered myself first and foremost Australian and it will be nice to have the home crowd advantage for a change!
“Success in any sport is like threading the eye of the needle, everything needs to come together for that one moment in time.
“I was fortunate that for my Sprint World Championship win in Torremolinos I had a race plan which just unfolded before my eyes.
“If everything similarly goes to plan in Wollongong then I will be both lucky and very happy. If not, well there’s always the next race!”
The 2025 World Triathlon Championships will take place in Wollongong, Australia from 15 – 19 October 2025.
