What’s Happening?
Rockhampton athlete Gabrielle Stewart will represent Australia at the 2026 World Triathlon Age Group Championships. The event will run in Pontevedra, Spain, from 23 to 27 September.
Gabrielle is 15 and studies Year 10 at The Cathedral College. She will contest the Female 16 to 19 Age Group Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championships.
She will also race in the World Triathlon Age Group Mixed Team Relay World Championships.
Why It Matters
Gabrielle earned selection through performances at designated national events held throughout Australia. At 15, she will compete in a category for athletes aged up to 19.
Her selection follows her Queensland representation at the National School Triathlon Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this year.
In an exclusive Q&A with Rocky News, Gabrielle said excitement and nerves were building before Spain.
“I’m feeling really excited and a little nervous about competing in Spain,” Gabrielle said. “It’s surreal knowing I’ll be racing at a World Championship. Representing Australia is a huge honour and I’m extremely proud to have the opportunity to race in the green and gold.”
Local Impact
As a regional athlete, Gabrielle has faced challenges that many metropolitan competitors do not. These include limited access to specialist coaches, criterium cycling tracks and tartan running tracks.
Meanwhile, her preparation must fit around her Year 10 school commitments. Gabrielle said this schedule had taught her how to manage her time.
“My training week is very busy, especially while balancing school,” she said. “I train most mornings and afternoons, with sessions across swimming, cycling, and running throughout the week. It can definitely be a juggle but I enjoy having something to work towards and it’s taught me a lot about time management.”
By the Numbers
- The sprint course includes a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre cycle and a five-kilometre run.
- The mixed relay includes four Australian age group athletes. Each completes a 250-metre swim, six-kilometre cycle and 1.5-kilometre run.
- Gabrielle secured selection through three qualifying events, including two on the Gold Coast and one in Bargara.
Zoom In
Gabrielle’s interest in triathlon began through aquathlon as a school sport. Her enjoyment of swimming and running encouraged her to add cycling.
“I originally got into triathlon after doing aquathlon as a school sport,” Gabrielle said. “I really enjoyed swimming and running and wanted to give triathlon a go, and it’s grown from there.”
However, her development has included a difficult recovery from leg surgery.
“My biggest challenge so far has been having leg surgery,” she said. “Getting back into training and building my fitness again was challenging, but it made me appreciate being able to train and race even more.”
Despite that setback, Gabrielle returned to competition and earned places in two world championship events.
Zoom Out
AusTriathlon selects age group representatives each year through designated events held across Australia. The organisation is Australia’s national federation for triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon. It is also affiliated with World Triathlon.
World Triathlon sanctions the championships as the international governing body for triathlon and multisport disciplines.
However, the Australian Age Group Triathlon Team is self-funded. Athletes must cover travel, accommodation, uniforms and other competition-related expenses.
What To Look For Next?
Gabrielle will continue preparing for both races before the championships begin on 23 September. Her goals centre on racing confidently and making the most of the experience.
“My main goal is to have a strong race and know that I’ve given everything I can on the day,” she said. “I want to race confidently, enjoy the experience, and hopefully finish feeling proud of my performance. I’m most looking forward to meeting people my age from other countries, competing against athletes from around the world and experiencing such a big event with the Australian team.”
The championships will give Gabrielle the chance to build on her Australian results while competing against international age group athletes.
