South Australian Tempo Systems Triathlon Club member Connor Brink has already been racing triathlons for over ten years as a teenager and has been dreaming of representing Australia since day one.
“I’ve been involved in triathlon for about 11 years now, but my journey really began in the swimming pool,” Brink said.
“As a national-level open water and pool swimmer, I spent years focused on perfecting my skills and assumed swimming would always be my main sport.
“Everything shifted when I first tried triathlon at age 7 in the Weetbix Tryathlon series, with the experience bringing a fresh excitement and sense of adventure that I hadn’t felt before – that was when I truly caught the triathlon bug.
“It took a few more years before I was able to properly pursue triathlon, eventually getting the chance to compete as part of SchoolSport in high school.
“Convincing my parents to let me go down this path wasn’t easy, as they were more familiar with the world of swimming.
“My dad said he’d ‘humour’ me and support my interest, perhaps thinking it was just a phase. To everyone’s surprise, including my own, I made my first state team early on.
“That achievement marked a real turning point for me, and from then on, I gradually transitioned from being solely a swimmer to embracing triathlon and multisport.
“Over time, I discovered a genuine passion for the sport and found a community where I truly felt at home.
“I’m a member of Tempo Systems Triathlon Club, and this community has played a significant role in my journey as an athlete.
“From the very start, the club has provided me with invaluable support, whether it was cheering me on in my earliest races or offering guidance as I developed new skills across different disciplines.
“I still remember my first duathlon, where I finished with only one shoe. The club rallied around me and turned what could have been an embarrassing moment into one of encouragement and camaraderie.
“Being part of Tempo Systems has given me more than just structured training and coaching, it’s offered a sense of belonging and motivation that makes the tough days easier and the celebrations bigger.
“The friendships and mentorships I’ve found there have been essential, helping me stay committed and constantly push my limits as I grow in the sport.”
With over a decade in the sport, Connor already has many favourite memories and personal highlights, both on and off the course, that have shaped him into the person and athlete he is today.
“One of my favourite memories in triathlon has to be winning the Victor Harbor Triathlon,” he said.
“It was a key event on my calendar, and I had been building towards it for a long time.
“The conditions were brutal, it was a scorching 40-degree day, and I had to dig deeper than I ever had before.
“It wasn’t just about the physical challenge, it tested my mental toughness, pacing, and preparation.
“Coming away with the win on such a demanding day made it incredibly rewarding. It reminded me why I love the sport…the chance to push your limits and come out the other side stronger.
“Competing in Townsville last year was a truly defining moment in my life.
“I was in Year 12 at the time and balancing my training with the pressures of final exams and the process of air force pilot selection.
“In the midst of all that, I was hit with a major setback – a spontaneous pneumothorax – which meant unexpected lung surgery and months of recovery.
“At first, it felt like my dream of competing for Australia was over.
“The road back was tough, both physically and mentally. Starting from scratch, I focused on gradual recovery and just getting back into any sort of training.
“Against the odds, I was able to regain enough fitness to not only race in Townsville but secure a top ten finish in the Aquathlon.
“That experience gave me perspective and resilience like nothing else could. Now, whenever I see my surgery scars, I think of Townsville and the determination it took to get there, rather than the setback itself.
“The lessons I learned in Townsville have shaped my approach to preparing for Wollongong.
“I have a much deeper appreciation for every opportunity to compete, and I know how to manage adversity and focus on what I can control.
“The experience taught me to value the journey as much as the destination, and it’s made me more determined and adaptable as I look ahead to the World Championships.
“Representing Australia in the green and gold is truly an honour and something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.
“For me, it goes beyond just competing, it’s about being part of a legacy and proudly showcasing the hard work and dedication that goes into reaching this level.
“Growing up with a strong swimming background, I looked up to athletes like the Campbell sisters, Ian Thorpe, and Mitch Larkin, and even had the chance to swim alongside Sally Hunter.
“Wearing the green and gold, especially at a home World Championships in Wollongong, would be really special.
“This will be my second time representing Australia, and each experience feels unique.
“I know sport can be unpredictable, so I want to soak in every moment and give my best for myself, my team, and the country.
“Ultimately, it’s the resilience to move through challenges and focus on long-term goals that make these opportunities possible, and I feel privileged to be part of it.”
The 2025 World Triathlon Championships will take place in Wollongong, Australia from 15 – 19 October 2025.
