Alex Yee has revealed how a Paris mix-up ended up with him taking home silver instead of gold from last summer’s Olympics.
The 26-year-old triathlon superstar was crowned Olympic champion in the French capital after defeating his big rival Hayden Wilde in a thriller.
Trailing by 14 seconds with 2.5km remaining of the triathlon’s run, Yee overhauled New Zealander Wilde to claim victory and become the most decorated triathlete in Olympic history.
A subsequent podium mix-up meant Yee didn’t get quite what he was expecting at the medal ceremony.
“We haven’t traded them back yet”
But luckily for the Lewisham-born Olympic and World Champion, it didn’t involve the actual medals given out to him and Wilde.
On the podium, athletes were also presented with a narrow box containing a special edition of the official poster for the Games featuring gold, silver, or bronze detailing depending on which medal they won.
The only trouble is, Yee was given the wrong box, and ended up with a silver one, with Wilde given gold! “We haven’t traded them back yet but we’ve got to, surely,” Yee told The Athletic.
Growing medal collection
Created by Parisian illustrator Ugo Gattoni, the poster took over 2,000 hours and five months to complete.
Depicted from a bird’s eye view, it showcases athletes in action surrounded by cheering crowds and fantastical architecture, including a sign reading “XXXIII Olympiade,” marking the 33rd edition of the Games.
Yee has plenty of other keepsakes from Paris. The frame of the bike he used at the Olympics is in his garage and there is a small Eiffel Tower model on a shelf in his kitchen.
He also has a quite a collection of medals after winning gold in the mixed relay at 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a silver in the individual event, while in Paris he added a bronze in the mixed relay.
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
