Search
shop

Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee reveals London Marathon injury and channels Bruce Lee in comeback bid

Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

World and Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee says he is determined to race again this year, despite picking up an injury while competing in his first ever London Marathon last month.

The 27-year-old superstar of British athletics finished his 26.2-mile debut in a highly creditable 14th place with a time of 2:11:08 – but is now paying the price after picking up a ‘small acute overload injury’.

Writing about the injury on his Instagram account, the four-time Olympic medalist admitted to ‘feeling down’ as he first set out on his road to recovery, but has since managed to turn his frustration into positivity by insisting ‘this year isn’t done!’.

Triathlon’s most successful Olympian with two golds, a silver and a bronze to his name, Yee had taken time out of his usual swim/bike/run schedule to fulfil his lifelong dream of running London’s marathon – a challenge he believes will only help him to become an even better all-round competitor.

No stranger to adversity, the 27-year-old has of course already battled back from a career-threatening crash when, aged 19, he suffered broken ribs, cracked vertebrae and a collapsed lung after hitting a bollard and losing consciousness during an ITU Triathlon World Cup event in Cagliari, Italy.

He admits that such a battle has enabled him to put this latest set-back into perspective, and by heeding the words of his hero – martial arts specialist and philosopher Bruce Lee – he is determined to come back stronger. 

Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee makes his London Marathon debut in 2025 (Photo – TCS London Marathon).
Advertisement

Alex Yee reveals injury pain

“Post-London I sadly picked up a small acute overload injury,” he said. “Honestly before this I’ve been lucky. Since my crash I’ve been consistent and I believe that’s been one of my super strengths. 

“The first few weeks I definitely felt down and had a constant urgency to get back, but recently this has turned to gratitude. A gratitude I can push my body, I’m healthy and an understanding of the opportunity and challenge somebody has given me for myself and to others.

‘This year isn’t done’

“Bruce once said ‘Don’t pray for an easy life pray for the strength to endure a difficult one’

What I think I’m trying to say is, enjoy movement, enjoy challenging yourself and enjoy life. We don’t get a respawn and this year isn’t done! LET’S GET IT X.”

Yee’s Olympic medal haul includes individual gold and mixed relay bronze at Paris in 2024 and mixed relay gold and individual silver at Tokyo in 2020. He also won double gold in both disciplines at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and has won gold, silver and bronze at the World Championships.

Matthew Reeder
Written by
Matthew Reeder
Matt Reeder is a seasoned journalist and editor with more than 30 years’ experience working for regional newspapers and websites, including a 12-year stint as Group Sports Editor of The Yorkshire Post
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Olympic bronze medallist almost called it quits ahead of Challenge Roth debut but now “exactly where I’m supposed to be”
Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
Huge injury update as Canadian triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms brutal diagnosis
Sam Dickinson second place ironman 703 jonkoping 2025
British Olympic hero Sam Dickinson bidding for home glory at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...