Alex Yee has truly crossed over into the mainstream after that incredible Olympic Games triathlon victory at Paris 2024 – and now they are even talking about him in the UK Parliament.
The 26-year-old superstar from London produced one of THE enduring moments of a spectacular Olympics when he ran down New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde for an astonishing victory on July 31.
A nation stopped, held its breath and then roared as Alex somehow conjured one final, magical effort to claim victory from the jaws of defeat. It was a moment which will endure for generations to come.
The reaction in the UK was deservedly spectacular, catapulting Yee into the mainstream from a media and day-to-day perspective. A worthy successor to the Brownlee brothers.
Government figure hails Alex Yee
Now that impact has even been felt at the heart of UK politics, with Alex earning gushing praise during a debate in the House of Commons, specifically via Labour Government whip Vicky Foxcroft.
Foxcroft, Yee’s local MP in Lewisham North, spoke this week about the impact that Paris victory had, and how it is a beacon of hope and inspiration for so many people in London and further afield.
She said: “It’s been a pleasure to hear and reflect on another wonderful summer of Olympic and Paralympic performance. Olympic and Paralympic performances are not only a matter of pride for the country, but they also inspire a nation.
“I know the Minister and the Shadow Minister mentioned him, but it would be remiss of me not to take advantage of being at the dispatch box and mentioning our Alex Yee MBE, of Brockley in Lewisham North – my constituency – who won the gold in the men’s triathlon.
“I just thought I’d share a little story with everyone. We have placards up in areas with Brockley. They have all been renamed to be Brockyee. Look online if you want to see any of them. But you did us all proud, as did all of the other Olympians and Paralympians.”
Yee responds to Parliament praise
Alex responded to the namecheck by re-iterating how lucky he was to grow up in area that allowed him the chance to get into sport, and how he wants to be a driver of more success in the future.
“Thank you for the mention!!,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I was so lucky to have many opportunities growing up within Lewisham, I hope my small success can be a catalyst for change to help open opportunities and doors for young people now living in the borough.”
Alex of course is also now on the brink of rounding off an astonishing 2024 with his first ever world title – he is in pole position to claim that crown at next Sunday’s WTCS Grand Final in Torremolinos-Andalucia.
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