Historic Day for Australian Triathlon as Willian, Hauser Lock In Top-8 World Rankings

Australian triathlon has hit a new high with Luke Willian and Matt Hauser making history as the first Aussie duo in nearly a decade to crack the top ten in the World Triathlon Championship Series rankings.

Willian wrapped up his breakthrough season with a gutsy 15th place at the Championship Finals, securing an impressive sixth place in the overall series rankings. The performance caps off a stellar year that saw the 28-year-old claim his maiden World Series podium in Yokohama, consistently challenge the world's best with top-10 finishes in Cagliari and Weihai, and make his Olympic debut in Paris.

"I'm pretty stoked with that, I left everything out there – and a bit. I'm proud of that effort today," Willian said after the race. "These championship events are another level entirely – it's aggressive racing from the gun and you've just got to hang tough and embrace the challenge."

Despite a disappointing DNF at the Finals following a bike crash, Hauser's exceptional season – highlighted by gold in Hamburg, silver in Yokohama, and a seventh at the Paris Olympics – earned him eighth in the final rankings. The Queensland athlete had shown early promise in the race, leading out of T1 before misfortune struck on the bike leg.

The last time Australia had two men ranked in the World Series top ten was in 2015, when Ryan Bailie and Aaron Royle achieved the feat. This year's results signal a resurgence in Australian men's triathlon at the elite level.

"This is my highest finish ever in both a Championship Final and the Series standings," Willian added. "Everything is coming together, and I'm already looking forward to coming back stronger next year."

True to the spirit of Australian mateship, Willian's thoughts immediately went to his teammate post-race. "We ride the highs and lows together. I'll have a beer with him after this and decompress a bit, enjoy Spain and celebrate the seasons we've had."