UPDATE: The highly anticipated Noosa Triathlon is set to take place this Sunday, but the absence of champion Ashleigh Gentle has sent shockwaves through the triathlon community. Gentle, who has dominated the event with 10 consecutive victories, will not compete as she focuses on her commitments in the global T100 tour, where she currently sits third.
This significant development paves the way for rising star Richelle Hill, who has her eyes on the U23 world title after finishing third to Gentle in 2023 and second last year. Hill’s journey has been anything but typical—after a five-year hiatus from the sport, she is now ready to take center stage in Noosa without her idol by her side.
Hill recalls her first podium experience with Gentle, where she learned the art of spraying champagne. “She’s good quality,” Hill told AAP, reflecting on the encouragement she received from Gentle. “The way she holds herself in her racing, I completely idolize it.” The emotional boost from the two-time Olympian reignited Hill’s passion for triathlon, leading her to this pivotal moment in her career.
Injuries have hindered Hill’s ability to race consistently this year, but she is eager to showcase her skills before a home crowd in Noosa. With her mother, Rina, a former Australian triathlete at the 2004 Athens Games, Hill is determined to carve her own path in the sport.
As the competition heats up, Cassandre Beaugrand, the Olympic champion, stands out as the favorite to win after a disappointing world championship outing in Wollongong. Meanwhile, Australia’s new world champion Matthew Hauser is set to compete for the second time, with hopes of capturing his first Noosa title against formidable opponents like defending champion Brayden Mercer and other past winners.
Before the triathletes take to the water, excitement builds for Super Saturday, featuring a 5km Bolt for runners and the Australian Open Criterium for cyclists. The atmosphere in Noosa is charged with anticipation as fans prepare to rally behind their local athletes.
As the clock counts down to the start of the Noosa Triathlon, all eyes are on Richelle Hill, poised to step into the spotlight and make her mark in a race that promises to be nothing short of thrilling. Will she rise to the occasion and claim victory in front of her home crowd? The triathlon world is watching closely.
