Wollongong, Australia — Three days, three races, three podiums: the British delegation shone brilliantly at the 2025 Junior and U23 World Triathlon Championships. Oliver Conway opened the proceedings with a commanding U23 title, followed by Alex Robin claiming silver in the junior category, before the mixed relay closed out the week with a resounding victory. A show of dominance that underscores the continuity of the British model, shaped by the generation of Alex Yee, Beth Potter and Georgia Taylor-Brown, and inheriting the culture of excellence established by the Brownlee brothers.
The Golden Age of British Triathlon
For over a decade, Britain has been a dominant force in global triathlon. The contemporary history of the sport has largely been written in the nation’s colours: the Brownlee brothers paved the way with their feats in London 2012 and Rio 2016, embedding triathlon in the British sporting consciousness. Their legacy has been carried forward by a new golden generation led by Alex Yee and Georgia Taylor-Brown. In Tokyo 2021, the pair secured double silver medals individually before claiming Olympic gold in the mixed relay alongside Jessica Learmonth and Jonathan Brownlee for his final olympic appearance. Three years later, in Paris, Yee took individual gold, Potter silver, and the quartet of Yee, Taylor-Brown, Potter and Sam Dickinson completed the mixed relay podium. Two Olympiads confirming a philosophy, a dominance, and continuity.
The emergence of a generation like 2025’s squad is therefore no surprise, but rather a confirmation. Structures such as the Brownlee Foundation and the “Next Generation Tri” programme have nurtured young talent from the outset. University-level support in Nottingham, Leeds and Loughborough has also been pivotal in producing all-round athletes capable of challenging the world’s best over every distance. Against this backdrop, British performances in Wollongong fit seamlessly into a coherent national trajectory, reflecting a sport that has matured spectacularly.
Yet even in a discipline accustomed to success, the feats of this October stood out for their brilliance. Rarely have the UK’s young representatives dominated their categories with such ease and poise, showing a mastery worthy of the sport’s elite.
A Golden Generation Emerges from Wollongong
In the U23 category, Oliver Conway epitomised this British blueprint. At just 20 years old — all the more remarkable — the Radley Athletics Club triathlete outclassed the field to claim his first world title. Delivering a strong swim, he quickly positioned himself in the leading pack before upping the pace over the 40km bike leg. After a flawless final transition, he literally soared over the run, crossing the line solo with a 1 minute 40-second lead over Hungary’s Márton Kropkó.
“I felt good in the legs all day,” he said calmly after the race. “I just tried to keep a steady pace from start to finish and everything fell into place perfectly.”
This world title crowns an exceptional season. Conway, victorious on his World Cup debut in Saïdia and fourth on his WTCS debut in Karlovy Vary, has established himself as one of triathlon’s most promising talents. A student at the University of Nottingham and now a member of the Brownlee Racing Team, he combines tactical acumen, race intelligence and remarkable endurance. His double triumph in Wollongong — both individual and relay — marks a decisive milestone. Many already see him as the natural successor to Alex Yee on Olympic formats and as a top-tier anchor for relay events.
The following day, Alex Robin carried the British flag high in the junior ranks. On Wollongong’s challenging course, scorched by the Australian heat and buffeted by coastal winds, he delivered a race of poise and precision. Emerging third from the swim, he quickly joined the leading pack before starting the run in fourth. It was here that his composure shone. Maintaining a steady pace and measured stride, Robin surged into the lead before being overtaken in the final metres by France’s Tristan Douche, the eventual winner. His silver medal felt almost like gold, such was the maturity he displayed at just 18.
Having returned from injury in the spring, Robin had admitted pre-race that he simply aimed to “get back into racing rhythm” — yet he left Australia as Junior World Vice-Champion.
“It’s a privilege to represent my country,” he said. “I’ve learned so much watching the U23s and elite athletes, and this experience makes me want to come back even stronger.”
The Australian magic didn’t stop there. On the final day of junior competition, the U23/Junior Mixed Relay sealed a historic weekend. Fielding Oliver Conway and Alex Robin alongside Bethany Cook and Millie Breese, the team delivered a performance that was as tactical as it was spectacular. Cook set the pace in the opening leg, keeping the team in contention, before Robin took over, positioning the squad within striking distance of the leaders. It was then down to Conway’s experience and class to make the difference. Drafting behind the Dutchman Mitch Kolkman, the U23 World Champion timed his attack perfectly over the final stretch. His sharp and irresistible surge handed Britain a second world title in three days.
At the finish, Conway celebrated with his teammates: “It’s a collective victory, the result of an incredible week for the whole group.”
The cohesion and depth of talent — hallmarks of the British system — proved decisive in an extraordinary context, where French, Hungarian and Australian teams also fielded multiple individual medallists.
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