Hill's Detour to Elite Triathlon: From Five-Year Break to World Championships

After a five-year hiatus from elite racing, Richelle Hill's unconventional return to triathlon has culminated in a dream spot at the World Triathlon Under 23 Championships in Torremolinos, Spain.

The 22-year-old Queensland athlete, who stepped away from competitive triathlon after high school to pursue education and business ventures, has experienced a meteoric rise since her comeback this season. In just her third race back, Hill claimed silver at the Oceania Championships in Taupo, followed by an impressive 15th at her World Cup debut in Wollongong – performances that secured her automatic nomination for the U23 Worlds.

"This all took off so fast," Hill reflected. "I was planning for this year to be a really slow introduction to the sport, and I wasn't ready initially because it was all overwhelming. But then I was like; 'No, take what comes. There is no pressure.'"

During her break from elite competition, Hill maintained her connection to the sport through local events like the Noosa and Airlie Beach triathlons, which helped nurture her passion. "This is a sport that I always loved, and I don't think I ever lost love for the sport. I've formed more of a love for it, especially doing more of the local races."

Her remarkable journey is made even more special by having her mother and coach, Rina Bradshaw-Hill – an Athens 2004 Olympian – by her side. "She's influenced it in a massive way, without putting pressure on me," Hill said. "She's always been a role model and I learn more about her experiences every day."

Hill's success has continued to build throughout the season, with podium finishes at the World Triathlon Duathlon Championships (silver) and Asia Triathlon Cup in Gamagori (bronze). Now more confident than ever, she heads to Spain ready to test herself against the world's best U23 athletes.

"I'm much more sure of myself and I think that is the biggest thing that has changed," Hill said. "I was so unsure about everything and what path I should follow, what I'm capable of. Now I feel I've got the confidence to step up and make myself proud."

Her message to other athletes considering their own path in the sport is clear: "Don't feel pressured to be like anyone else – go take your own journey. If that steers you back to the sport, fantastic. If that steers you other ways, fantastic. Enjoy your own path and don't feel pressured to following everyone else."