With the Men’s Triathlon postponed, until after the women’s race, Natalie Van Coevorden and Sophie Linn are scheduled to be the first Australian triathletes in action at the Paris Olympics.
After a long qualification period and strong preparation, Natalie and Sophie, are eager to make their Olympic Triathlon debut.
If competing at your first Olympics wasn’t exciting enough, organisers are estimating 250,000 spectators will line the picturesque course.
Racing will start and finish at the historic Pont Alexandre III Bridge. Water quality permitting the athletes will swim 1500m in the River Seine, before riding up the Champs-élysées, around the Arc de Triomphe, and the run will have the Eiffel Tower in the background.
“Paris is going to be very special, and I can’t wait to race here on Wednesday,” Natalie said.
“The past few years to get here have been tough and I’m so proud of myself for being here and backing myself.”
Natalie has been based in Spain with Matt Hauser and Luke Willian before arriving in Paris, while Sophie has been preparing well at her training base in Colorado before arriving in France.
“I’m super excited to be racing here. The crowd is going to be amazing and I’m super ready.”
Reigning women’s champion Flora Duffy (BER) is back from injury to defend her title in her fifth Olympic Games.
The remarkable 36-year-old, a four-time world champion, will face challenges from medal hopefuls from Great Britain, Germany, USA and France.
The Women’s Triathlon is scheduled to commence at 4pm (AEST). The Men’s Triathlon featuring Matt and Luke was postponed and is now scheduled to start at 645pm (AEST).
Despite the water quality challenges, late scheduling change and potential of the competition being a Duathlon, AUSTriathlon Head Coach Dan Atkins has confidence in the resilience and adaptability of his four athletes. They are eager to compete and showcase their sport in the middle of Paris.
The four athletes will team up to compete in the Mixed Relay at 4pm on Monday 5 August (AEST).
Andrew Reid
