Search
shop

“We better not f** this up”: Alistair Brownlee shares the message that inspired Olympic triathlon glory

Brownlee brothers held secret talks on eve of London 2012
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Olympic Day this week was a special moment for Alistair Brownlee, bringing back emotional memories of his two golds at the Games.

But Brownlee, who won his medals in 2012 and 2016, also revealed that it sparked memories of the moment he realised “pressure is a privilege” – a mantra he still lives by today.

And all it dates back to a chat with brother Jonny on the eve of the London Games, where the Brownlees would become national icons.

Advertisement

What Alistair said to Jonny

Posting on his Instagram, Alistair wrote: “Olympic Day reminded me of a moment from the night before the London 2012. Jonny and I were sat in our hotel watching TV.

“Reporters were in Hyde Park, chatting to fans who’d travelled miles to be there, some waving homemade signs, some holding flags with our names on them.

“Jonny turned to me and said, “We better not f** this up.”

“It made me laugh, but it also hit me. The pressure wasn’t just about us anymore. It was about everyone who had supported us and believed in what we were trying to do.”

Triathlon Show: London 2019 Brownlee brothers

“That kind of pressure can feel overwhelming. But it can also lift you, if you let it.

“My coach Malcolm once said: ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ And it’s stuck with me ever since. You only feel pressure when you’ve done something to earn it, when people care what happens next.”

Alistair announced his retirement from triathlon in November 2024 after a glittering career in which he became the only male athlete to do a grand slam of Olympic, World and continental titles.

The mindset is the same

But he is still involved the sport, launching his own line of gels earlier this year, and says he still lives by the same motto even though he is no longer competing.

Brownless said: “Whether it’s building @truefuels, working with other athletes, or chasing new challenges, that same feeling is still there. The stakes may look different, but the mindset is the same.

“If you or anyone else cares about the outcome, it means it matters. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.”

Olympic Day is a global celebration of sport which takes place on 23 June each year to commemorate the day the International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 – the birth of the modern Games.

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Laura Siddall Kona 2025 day three AG1 boat mk2
Sid’s day three diary from Kona: Breakfast with Bob and coffee catch up with Indie
Lucy Charles Barclay training swim Kona 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Date, start time and how to watch live
Lucy Charles-Barclay Lola IRONMAN France 2024
Inside Lucy Charles-Barclay’s Kona journey – a year on from heartbreak in Nice
Laura Siddall day 2 Kona 2025 snapshot
Sid’s day two diary from Kona: The Knibb double act and other inspiring Age Groupers
Laura Philipp wins the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France
Champion Laura Philipp reveals new game plan ahead of Kona title defence
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...