This October, Wollongong will take center stage as it hosts the Triathlon World Championships – a global event expected to draw 7,000 athletes from 43 countries, 20,000 spectators.
But while world-class competitors from across the globe descend on the coastal city, one local contender is already turning heads: Kerry Dowling.
Born and raised in the Illawarra region, 78-year-old Dowling is eyeing a spot at the World Championship, competing in the 75–79 age group, he’s more than just a veteran athlete – he’s a local legend known for his remarkable daily routine.
“My Garmin tells me that nobody my age swims further than me,” Dowling said.
“I don’t know if that’s true, but it’s pretty impressive.”
Dowling’s commitment to triathlon began back in the sport’s earliest days, and it hasn’t let up since.
“My first Hawaii Ironman was in 1983… it’s always been part of what I do,” he said.
That passion translates into a training schedule few could imagine, let alone keep up with.
He’s up at 3:25am every day, cycling for nearly an hour before running 3 kilometers – including 500 stairs – and swimming at least 1.5 kilometers, and all this happens before he clocks in for work at 8:30am.
For decades, this has been Dowling’s way of life, and it’s taken him to races around the globe – from New Zealand to Switzerland and across Australia – but racing on home turf this October would be something special.
“The legacy that will come from this will last for years,” he said.
“It’ll showcase this beautiful place I’ve been trying to keep a secret. The whole world will see it – it’s incredible for the city.”
Despite his long list of accomplishments, Dowling stays grounded. He jokes that turning 79 just after the event might finally give him a leg up in his category.
“I’m on the wrong end of the age group. I’m in the bald-headed, glucosamine category,” he said.
“You don’t want to be waiting at the finish line for me, you’ll need a lot of patience.
“But that’s the beauty of it. You get to compete against the best of the best.”
Dowling’s proudest result came in 2006 when he placed ninth at the WT Age-Group Championships in Lausanne at age 60.
“If I could crack single figures again, I’d be over the moon,” he said.
“But we’ll see…this is my backyard. I do a triathlon every morning before breakfast and that’s not going to change.”
AusTriathlon CEO Tim Harradine echoed Dowling’s excitement, calling the event a long-awaited moment for the sport in Australia.
“We’re thrilled to see the world descend on Wollongong,” Harradine said.
“It’s been a long time coming for Australia to host this event again, especially here in New South Wales. It’s magic to see the vision come to life.”
Harradine emphasised the region’s deep ties to the sport and the importance of welcoming global competition back to the Illawarra.
“We’re looking forward to the whole community getting behind it, it’s going to be an amazing four days,” he said.
“It’s picturesque—and that’s what the world looks for.”
The Preliminary 2025 Australian Age Group Triathlon Team will be announced on the AusTriathlon website by 5pm AEST on Monday the 26th of May 2025.
