Luke Willian, a 23-year-old Australian athlete, emerged victorious in the elite men’s event at the World Triathlon Cup 2024 held in Wollongong, Australia. Willian clinched the gold medal with an impressive overall time of 52 minutes and 51 seconds, marking his first World Triathlon Cup victory in five years. This win enhances his chances for selection to the Paris 2024 Olympics, although it is not guaranteed.
Among the Australian competitors, Callum McClusky and Jacob Birtwhistle secured fifth and sixth positions respectively. Bradley Course finished eighth while Brandon Copeland came in tenth. The absence of Matt Hauser, the only Australian confirmed for the Paris 2024 Olympics triathlon team, and top contender Ben Dijkstra from Great Britain due to food poisoning provided Willian with an opportunity to shine on home soil.
In the women’s elite event, Ellie Hoitnik finished seventh with a time of 1 hour and 52 seconds. Tilda Mansson from Sweden won the event in 1 hour and 39 seconds. Australia is set to field two men and two women in the individual and mixed relay triathlons at the Paris Olympics, with hopes high for a strong showing from the Australian triathlon team.
