For Canberra triathlete Lara Dawson, representing Australia at the 2025 World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong was an unforgettable first, and one that ended with two World Championship titles.
Competing in the 20-24 Female Age Group category and representing the JT Multisport Club in the ACT, Dawson’s journey into triathlon began just two years ago, when injury unexpectedly led her to a new passion.
“I first got into triathlon around two years ago, and I got involved because I had a background in running but was injured and couldn’t run,” Dawson said.
“So I was like – ‘oh, I’ll just cross train’ – and then I found triathlon really fun and I ended up continuing in the sport.”
That cross-training quickly turned into a love for multisport, resulting in a dream debut on the world stage.
“Wollongong was my first World Championship event which was incredible,” she said.
“Obviously with it being my first major event, I didn’t have many previous events to compare it to, but it was so nice to have it at home.
“Being able to have all my family, friends and coaches there to add to the Aussie atmosphere was great.”
Racing in front of a home crowd proved to be a winning strategy, with Dawson claiming two World Championship titles in both the Standard Distance and Sprint Distance events.
“Getting two World Championship titles in the Standard Distance and Sprint Distance events was amazing and definitely made the week even more special,” she said.
“I’ve definitely caught the bug now, Wollongong has inspired me to work towards more big events in the future.
“Being in Wollongong and seeing all the other races happening around the course at the same time was inspiring.”
AusTriathlon congratulates all Australian Age Group Team athletes on their outstanding performances in Wollongong and thanks them for proudly representing the green and gold on home soil.
