Overview

Since triathlon was introduced into the Olympic Games in 2000, the green and gold has never graced the Men’s Olympic Triathlon podium. But if Matt gets his way, that’s all going to change in Paris.

The 26-year-old put his Olympic rivals on notice by winning gold at the World Triathlon Championship Series Hamburg. His victory, following a second-place finish in Yokohama, will see him head to Paris in the form of his career.

Matt has been one of the world’s most improved athletes since the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a race in which he finished 24th in what was a disappointing campaign for Australia.

It was the second consecutive Games that the nation failed to win a medal and the wake-up call Matt needed to launch an immediate campaign to lead Australia back to the top of the triathlon world.

He will become just the fifth Australian man to contest the triathlon at two Olympics, and is joined by debutants Luke, Natalie Van Coevorden, and Sophie Linn.

Luke will also head into the Games in the form of his career following a remarkable rise to the top of the World Triathlon Championship Series rankings. 

After missing out on selection for Tokyo 2020, he took things into his own hands this time around, producing a powerhouse performance to claim bronze in the World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama and secure his spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

His eighth-place finish in Cagliari and 11th in Hamburg solidified his lead in the series rankings, with teammate Matt trailing closely in second. 

The men, it seems, are turning the tide and neither have shied away from the fact that they want to be the ones to lead the breakthrough by securing a spot on the podium in Paris.

Ones to Watch 

Australian

Australia’s medal hopes will largely rest on the shoulders of its men. Matt signalled his Olympic ambition, winning gold in Hamburg. Pairing that with his silver medal in Yokohama suggests he could be peaking at the perfect time.

Luke’s powerhouse performance to claim bronze, and his Paris 2024 spot, in Yokohama shows he is capable of producing a podium performance when it matters most.

Australia will head into the mixed team relay ranked fifth, with a track record of team success. The quartet previously claimed silver together in the 2022 World Triathlon Mixed Relay Series in Hamburg and will be aiming for even greater success in Paris.

International

Any discussion of potential winners in the men’s event should begin with the reigning champion, Kristian Blummenfelt. The Norwegian, along with Tokyo 2020 silver and bronze medallists, Alex Yee (GBR) and Hayden Wilde (NZL), are expected to be contenders once again.

The French men, benefiting from home ground advantage, are also key challengers: current world champion Dorian Coninx, former world champion Leo Bergere, and Pierre Le Corre. 

The host's chances are further bolstered in the women's race with Cassandre Beaugrand and Emma Lombardi. Current world  hampion Beth Potter (GBR) and her teammate Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) are also ones to watch.

In the mixed team relay, reigning Olympic champions Great Britain are the leading favourites, alongside Germany and France.

Sport Format

Both men’s and women’s individual triathlons are a single race that combines a 1500m swim, a 40km bike and a 10km run respectively. 

The mixed team relay debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and has returned for Paris. Teams consist of four athletes, two men and two women. Each competitor completes a 300m swim, 6.8km bike, and 2km run before tagging their teammate, who then initiates their portion of the race.

All three events will be staged in the heart of Paris, with the famed Pont Alexandre III bridge and the Seine River serving as the location for the swim stage.

Competition Schedule

• Men: Tuesday 30 July – 4pm AEST  
• Women: Wednesday 31 July – 4pm AEST 
• Mixed Team Relay: Monday 5 August – 4pm AEST