‘Thanks for showing that a lad from Yorkshire who eats fish and chips can beat everyone in the world’ – Jonny Brownlee’s message to Alistair

They’ve pushed each other to incredible heights and shared the moment that transcended the sport of triathlon.

Rarely in any sport have two siblings both achieved so much success, with the undoubted highlights being those Olympic podiums at London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Both Alistair and Jonny Brownlee were still at school when London was awarded the Games but seven years later they finished first and third respectively amid unprecedented scenes in front of huge home crowds.

And they were first and second four years later in Rio.

But an incredible era came to an end on Thursday when 36-year-old Alistair announced his retirement.

‘What an inspiration’

Jonny, two years younger and like Alistair a former world champion, will continue and he summed up his brother’s career beautifully by saying on Instagram: “What a journey.

“From the fells of Yorkshire to the top of the world. Thanks for showing that a lad from Yorkshire who eats fish and chips can beat everyone in the world. You forged a path that many (including myself) followed. What an inspiration.

“An athlete who was unbeatable on his day. Looking forward to many more chilled bike rides and runs in the future.”

Staying active – but more relaxed

Jonny, who has been on a delayed honeymoon having got married during the summer, has announced that he intends to race on – but will strive to “enjoy” the latter part of his own remarkable career.

Jonny also became an Olympic gold medallist himself when he was part of the GB quartet which won the Mixed Team Relay in Tokyo.

And Alistair, in typical Brownlee fashion, didn’t sit around reading tributes from the great and the good of the sporting world after he announced his retirement.

Instead he was out on his bike on the trails around the Otley Chevin near to his home on a gloriously cold and sunny day in Yorkshire.