Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown with 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals ambassador Craig Alexander at the Basin in Wollongong. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Inspiration and a renewed love of our great outdoors are the legacies Ironman Craig Alexander believes the World Triathlon Championship Finals will leave in Wollongong.
The international event will bring almost 7000 athletes, plus their friends, families and support staff, to town in October, when the Wollongong foreshore will become the site of epic finals battles for men’s, women’s, masters and para divisions.
It’s not just for the sport’s elites, though. Spectators are warmly welcomed and there will also be a series of events for kids, families and non-professional athletes to get stuck into.
“Wollongong’s got a track record of putting on big events; it’s become like the sporting capital of Australia,” Craig said.
“This will be a big shot in the arm for local business and showcase the region to a global audience.
“But aside from that it will leave a legacy of inspiration with the local community.”
Craig said he started triathlon training when as a uni student he realised he needed to get back in shape.
Initially he stuck with running and swimming and took on a couple of aquathons, but after watching a triathlon he decided he wanted a new challenge.
“It inspired me to take the sport more seriously and take it to another level,” he said.
“Being outdoors training was fun and I always trained with groups so the social side was fun too.
“It led to winning world titles, but it started out as a lifestyle choice.
“We’re an outdoorsy country; most kids do a lot of sport and this is one option.
“If we can get a lot of kids down to watch the main events, who knows, maybe we’ll have the next generation’s champions in the crowd.”
Craig said the Wollongong foreshore was the ideal venue for a triathlon, offering scenic options for the swim, bike and run.
He’s competed around the world, and said Wollongong stood up against any international venue.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown agreed.
She said the course was also ideal for spectators.
“It isn’t too dispersed, so with a short walk you can watch the swim, run and cycle – what an inspiration for young athletes to watch this in our backyard,” she said.
“It’s not just one race, so there are all different opportunities.”
A former competitive cyclist, the Lord Mayor said she was never tempted to try her hand at triathlon.
“I’m a Leo, so I’m not a very good swimmer,” she joked.
“It takes so many different sets of muscles, and the mental agility to adapt to each style is incredible.
“We’re very lucky to see these skills on display.”
The 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals will be held in Wollongong from 15 – 19 October. The main event hub will be in Lang Park.
