Canberra’s Chloe Bateup headlines a strong Australian Junior Triathlon Team that will head to Montreal for the Junior World Championships from 24-26 June.
The 2022 event will mark nearly three years since Australian juniors have had the chance to compete at the World Championships and represent their nation, the last being 2019 World Triathlon Grand Final Lausanne, which saw Australian Lorcan Redmond take away the silver medal.
Australian Juniors, who will join triathletes from around the world, will travel to the heart of Old Montreal with the hopes of following in the footsteps of past Junior World Champions, including Aussie Olympians Matt Hauser (2017) and Ashleigh Gentle (2010).
Bateup and Gold Coast’s Brad Course, who won their respective Oceania Triathlon Sprint Cup races at Devonport Triathlon in February to secure automatic selection on the Australian team, will be joined by Peyton Craig (QLD), Liam Dixon (NSW), Tara Sosinski (QLD) and Emma Olson-Keating (NSW). While Brayden Mercer (QLD), Toby Powers (QLD), Monty Dixon (NSW) and Paige Cranage (SA) have been named as reserves on the team.
Bateup was excited to have earned her spot on the team for the World Championships in Devonport.
“It’s a big box ticked and I’m really excited to head overseas this year and to see how I go. Very keen to experience it with no (real) expectations but certainly keen to get over there,” said Bateup.
Eighteen-year-old Course from Mudgeeraba, who’s based out of the Triathlon Australia QLD Performance Centre training under Head Coach Dan Atkins, is thrilled with the opportunity to compete overseas.
“I had some good form coming into the race (in Devonport) and I knew first place was an automatic selection for the World Championships in Canada later in the year so it will be great to make my Australian Team debut, pull on the green and gold and hopefully see what I’ve got in my first international race,” said Course.
Triathlon Australia National Talent Development Coach, Brendan Sexton is looking forward to the invaluable opportunity for Australian junior athletes to experience international racing, noting the competition will be challenging but our athletes have been preparing extremely well.
“The competition in Montreal will be like nothing these athletes have experienced before – which, knowing each of their respective desires to improve – is what they will be looking forward to,” said Sexton.
“The 2022 Australian Junior Team will also be invited to a Junior Tour post the World Championships including a training camp in Besalu (Girona, Spain) and competing in the European Junior Cup Tiiszivjaros.
“This will be a first foray for some to live, train, and race from an international base, but the Junior team is well supported and will be able to take their lead from our senior team, who will be just down the road preparing for the Commonwealth Games and the World Triathlon Championship Series, which may just provide these athletes with the insight and knowledge to take the next step in their triathlon journey.”
National Performance Director Justin Drew congratulates and welcomes athletes to the team to represent Australia in Montreal.
“It is with great pleasure we announce the team for the 2022 Junior World Championships Team in Montreal. It’s awesome to see this team come together, and that finally in 2022 we can return to the Junior World Championships,” said Drew.
“Stepping onto the start line in the Team Australia suit is certainly something to be proud of, and I encourage athletes to make sure they enjoy the moment in Montreal and embrace and learn from the experience.
“It’s also been a long time since we’ve been able to do a tour of Europe so we’re really looking forward to providing the opportunity for our younger cohort to be part of an overseas training environment, and see how the international landscape in triathlon functions which is really important for their development and preparation for Senior careers.
“Congratulations to all athletes, and I also want to thank the families and coaches for their support of the team.
2022 Junior World Championships Australian Team
World Triathlon Sprint & Relay Championships
Montreal, Canada
24 – 26 June 2022
Junior Men
Brad Course (QLD) (Dan Atkins, QLD Performance Centre)
Peyton Craig (QLD) (Liam O’Neill, NSW Performance Centre)
Liam Dixon (NSW) (Mick Ferris Performance Coaching)
Reserves: Brayden Mercer (QLD), Toby Powers (QLD) (Drew Box) & Monty Dixon (NSW) (Mick Ferris Performance Coaching)
Junior Women
Chloe Bateup (ACT) (Danielle Stefano, Elotik Pro Triathlon)
Tara Sosinski (QLD) (Dan Atkins, Queensland Performance Centre)
Emma Olson-Keating (NSW) (Brett Cooper, Velocity Tri Squad)
Reserve: Paige Cranage (SA)
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