It’s Triathlon Time in Torremolinos! Who’s Ready to Get Wet and (Probably) Wipe Out?
Ah, the sweet smell of competition and the saltiness of the sea! This Thursday, Torremolinos-Andalucía will be buzzing as 70 young triathletes prepare to storm the streets—or, more accurately, the lawns, beaches, and whichever bit of the Spanish landscape they can get their trainers on. Mark your calendars for noon, folks! This isn’t just another Thursday; it’s like Christmas for athletes who love to swim, cycle, and then have a leisurely jog to catch their breath!
In the spotlight will be the dashing Dylan McCullough, sporting the prestigious number 1 jersey. Now, that’s how you show up to a party! Representing New Zealand, this Buenos Aires Youth Olympic champ isn’t just good at splashing about in water; he was pivotal in helping his teammate Hayden Wilde grab a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. I mean, how’s that for a resume? If he can make a breakaway on the bike, we might just have the next triathlon superstar—unless he trips over his shoelaces, of course!
Let’s not forget the sensational Gergely Kiss from Hungary, the 2022 U23 Silver medalist. I can already hear the crowd chanting his name! He loves a bit of swimming, so expect him to glide through the chilly, flat waters like a fish that’s just remembered it’s late for a very important date. And then there’s Mitch Kolkman from the Netherlands, returning to defend his bronze medal from last year. Talk about pressure! Will he be the one defending his honor or just defending his snack when he gets to the refreshments table?
Keep your eyes peeled for Spain’s own David Cantero del Campo. This lad knows how to make a splash, with a couple of World Cup victories already under his belt. Last year’s 12th place finish? Just a dressing room warm-up—expect him to go for gold this time, or at least a bright shiny medal that says “I was here!”
Over from the US, John Reed comes in hot! He’s snagged a win and some podium finishes this season, guilty of making the rest of the competitors look a bit shabby. A run magician for sure, but can he swim like Michael Phelps on a good day? We’re all waiting to see… or swim, rather. And then we have Mathis Beaulieu from Canada, the rising star with big dreams. He’s been on a podium before and would love to make a splash—not literally this time—with a solid finish in Spain.
Now, let’s talk about the Germans. They love a good competition! Henry Graf is leading the charge, and with some solid performances recently, he has the Germans on the edge of their seats, wondering if they’ll see him on the podium or simply at the nearest bratwurst stand.
The competition will also showcase seasoned competitors like Hamish Reiley from Great Britain—you know, the chap who’s previously nabbed bronze. He’s back, and he’s hungry… for glory (and probably some pasta). And then we’ve got Panagiotis Bitados from Greece, who’s determined to turn last year’s fourth-place disappointment into triumph. After all, why not win it all when there’s no dessert on the line?
So with a mix of razzle and dazzle, we have established veterans and eager newcomers ready to fight it out for supremacy and a chance to be immortalized—at least until next year’s tournament! You won’t want to miss this explosive event, so grab your popcorn and hop on TriathlonLive or the World Triathlon YouTube channel. It promises to be one well worth the watch—provided everyone remembers their goggles!
Don’t forget to check out the full start lists and get ready for a day full of drama, sweat, and glorious triumph. Get your details here. Can someone also get me a drink while we’re at it? It’s going to be a long, exhilarating day!
