Age Group Triathlon World Championships – Wollongong 2025: Race Review

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Team USA at the Age Group Triathlon World Championships in Wollongong, Australia — and what an unforgettable week it was. From the Parade of Nations to the Opening Ceremony, to racing both the Standard and Sprint events, the energy, pride, and camaraderie were unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

A Week to Remember

The week kicked off with the Parade of Nations, where athletes from around the world gathered to celebrate the sport and their shared love of triathlon. Walking with Team USA through the streets of Wollongong, surrounded by cheers, flags, and music, was electric. The Opening Ceremony that followed was full of emotion and excitement — a true celebration of what it means to be part of the global triathlon community.

The city of Wollongong couldn’t have been a more perfect host. The course was absolutely stunning — with ocean views, a vibrant crowd, and perfectly organized logistics. It was one of those rare race environments where you can feel both the beauty and the buzz in the air.

Standard Distance: Finding My Flow

The Standard (Olympic) race came first, and it was a challenging but rewarding test of endurance and mental focus. Competing on a world stage surrounded by so many strong athletes pushed me to give my best effort, with Team USA athletes cheering each other on along the way. The course demanded focus — rolling bike terrain, a fast run, and the kind of scenery that almost distracted you from the burn in your legs.

Even with the intensity, I found moments to just take it in — to realize how far I’ve come since my early races as a “self-taught” triathlete learning through trial, error, and a lot of Googling. This race reminded me that triathlon is as much about growth as it is about results.

🏅19th AG, 6th USA

Sprint Distance: My First Draft-Legal Race

Recovery was the top priority after the Standard, because the Sprint was just next next day, and with it, something new — my first draft-legal race. If you’re not familiar, draft-legal racing means athletes can ride in packs and benefit from drafting on the bike. It’s fast, dynamic, and strategic — a completely different experience from non-drafting races.

It was a learning curve for sure. The start was fast and furious, and the bike leg became all about finding a group, staying safe, and learning how to work together to keep pace. I saw firsthand how quickly things can change — from surges in speed to unexpected crashes in the peloton. Thankfully, I stayed upright and gained valuable experience in the process.

The sprint race was intense, but it taught me a lot about positioning, awareness, and how communication plays a role even when everyone is technically competing against each other. It gave me a whole new level of respect for the skill and focus draft-legal racing requires.

🏅18th AG, 3rd USA

Reflections and Takeaways

Wollongong was more than just another race weekend — it was a milestone. Competing on a world stage, meeting athletes from around the globe, and challenging myself in new formats reminded me why I love this sport.

Triathlon has a way of humbling you while also showing you how much you’re capable of. Closing out my 2025 competitions, this trip gave me new motivation, deeper appreciation, and plenty of lessons to bring back into training for next year.

The biggest takeaways?

• Embrace new challenges. Even if something (like draft-legal racing!) feels unfamiliar, it’s how you grow.

• Stay adaptable. From group dynamics to weather and nerves, flexibility is your best strength.

• Enjoy the moment. Amid the competition, don’t forget to soak in the experience — it’s what makes all the hard work worth it.

Final Thoughts

Leaving Wollongong, I felt grateful — for the experience, the teammates, the lessons, and the chance to represent Team USA on the world stage. It reminded me why triathlon is so special: it’s not just a sport; it’s a global community of people pushing their limits and cheering for each other along the way.

I can’t wait for what’s next — stay tuned for next year’s events! Pontevdre 2026…? 👀 🌏🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️