Twelve months ago, Luke Willian crossed the finish line in Yokohama and didn’t raise his arms or pump his fists. Instead, he ran straight into the arms of teammate Matt Hauser.
He had just delivered the biggest performance of his career – securing a bronze medal and, with it, his place on the Australian team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Now, on Saturday, Willian returns to Japan not just with memories of that moment, but with a new dream driving him.
“I’m absolutely stoked to get back there,” Willian said.
“I’ve always race well in Yokohama, it’s got good luck for me – it’s a pretty special place for me.
“I remember last year, the last 100 metres, running down knowing I’ve qualified for the Olympics – it was a dream come true.
“I had spent the last decade of my life trying to achieve that one thing, after missing that in 2020, it made it all the sweeter.”
That bronze medal finish not only secured Willian’s spot for Paris – it ignited a breakout year that saw him rise into the World Triathlon Championship Series title fight and finish the season sixth in the world.
And as he prepares to launch his 2025 season, he returns with the belief that he belongs among the world’s best – and his sights firmly set on an even bigger prize.
“To be the World Champion is the goal,” Willian said.
“We’ve got a Grand Final at home that I want to be in the mix for and Yokohama is part of achieving that goal,” Willian said.
“Being in a position to compete means I’ve executed everything well throughout the season – that’s the key focus for Yokohama and the upcoming races. While you can’t win the World Championship just yet, you can certainly lose your shot if you’re not in the right position heading into the Grand Final.
“To be crowned World Champion on Australian soil would be monumental – it’s likely the last opportunity in my career where the stars align to achieve that.”
If he’s successful, it would bring his story full circle. Willian still remembers standing on the sidelines as a 13-year-old, watching Emma Moffatt win the world title on the Gold Coast in 2009.
“Everyone went to watch because it was such a special feat she was about to achieve,” he recalled.
“I remember just the crowd was enormous, there were so many people down there on the Gold Coast. Seeing her achieve it, I thought that will be cool to do one day. To have the opportunity this year is so special.”
Australian teammate and close friend Matt Hauser also returns to Yokohama with strong memories of success, having claimed back-to-back silver medals on the Japanese course.
Like Willian, he’s focused on laying the foundations for a season he hopes end with a shot at the world title in Wollongong and made a flying start to his season with a silver medal at the World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi.
Ellie Hoitink will take to the start line in the women’s race, while Australia will also field a 12-strong para team in the World Triathlon Para Series event, headlined by Paralympians Lauren Parker (PTWC), Anu Francis (PTS2), Grace Brimelow (PTS5), Jeremy Peacock (PTS4), David Bryant (PTS5), and Jack Howell (PTS5).
WTCS Yokohama
Saturday, May 17 – From 11am AEST
TriathlonLive
Matt Hauser
Luke Willian
Ellie Hoitink
WTPS Yokohama
Saturday, May 17 – From 7:50am AEST
TriathlonLive
Jeremy Peacock (PTS4)
Matthew Engesser (PTS4)
David Bryant (PTS5)
Jack Howell (PTS5)
Lauren Parker (PTWC)
Anu Francis (PTS2)
Hannah MacDougall (PTS4)
Grace Brimelow (PTS5)
Maggie Sandles (PTVI)
Caroline Baird (PTVI)
