Course and Hepburn Seek Redemption at World Junior Triathlon Championships

Why it matters: After a year of setbacks, Australian triathletes Bradley Course and Rhianna Hepburn are set to compete in the World Junior Triathlon Championships in Germany, seeking redemption.

Setting the pace: In 2022, both athletes suffered separate crashes that forced them out of the previous World Championships, turning their dreams into disappointment. They've spent the past year in recovery, training, and preparation for a successful return to the race course.

What they're saying:

• "Bradley has obviously taken last year’s disappointing day as a really positive experience and to use that as his motivation," said Brendan Sexton, Triathlon Australia’s National Talent Development Coach.
• Bradley Course: “I have an amazing team and we got back to work after that race, able to put it behind us and put our best foot forward."
• "Rhianna was again an automatic qualifier for the team this year... and she is ready to put her best foot forward in Hamburg," added Sexton.
• Rhianna Hepburn: “I’m looking forward to the experience in Hamburg. To contest my first Junior Worlds will be awesome. To go out there and enjoy it is my main goal.”

By the numbers:

• Bradley Course, 19, placed second in the recent 2023 Europe Triathlon Junior Cup.
• Rhianna Hepburn, 18, won the 2023 Europe Triathlon Junior Cup.
• Australia is fielding a seven-strong Junior team in Hamburg, consisting of four men and three women.

Between transition: Both Course and Hepburn have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Their performances in the recent Europe Triathlon Junior Cup, combined with their motivation to overcome past disappointments, set the stage for a potential comeback at the upcoming Championships.

Through Time: Last year, both athletes' ambitions were dashed due to accidents. However, their recent performance in the Europe Triathlon Junior Cup indicates a promising return to form. Course and Hepburn, alongside their teammates, have the opportunity to turn their past misfortunes into a source of strength.

The bottom line: Course and Hepburn's journey serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of athletes in the face of adversity. Their comeback at the World Junior Triathlon Championships could mark a turning point in their careers, and their success would send a strong message about determination and the power of a never-give-up attitude in sports.