Search
shop

Olympic Games Triathlon: WTCS leader and French triathlon star ready to represent on home turf in Paris

Emma Lombardi, the 22-year-old Frenchwoman who currently leads the WTCS, cannot be ignored as a serious medal contender ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at the end of the month.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Emma Lombardi will look to usurp her more esteemed colleagues in front of a home crowd and take home a medal at the Paris Olympic Games later this month, after a solid stint of training at altitude.

The 22-year-old, who currently leads the World Triathlon Championship Series, will be joined by Olympic bronze medalists Leonie Periault and Cassandre Beaugrand on Team France in the capital.

Making her Olympic debut in less than a fortnight, the Chambery native should not be discounted as a dark horse for an individual medal on Wednesday July 31, after a fine start to the season so far.

Advertisement

Ready for a special day

After finishing third, fourth and fifth at WTCS events in Yokohama, Cagliari and Hamburg so far this season, Lombardi now leads the series ahead of German Lisa Tertsch and her compatriot Beaugrand.

WTCS Cagliari 2024 Emma Lombardi early on the run
[Photo Credit: World Triathlon]

Speaking after the race in Hamburg last weekend, she said the race in Germany had been the perfect litmus test to track her progress after a block of training at altitude.

“I really wanted to do one more race before the Olympics to just see where I am after my last training block in the mountains and find what adjustments need to be made before Paris.” 

With less than two weeks to go, Lombardi said she is beyond excited to be making her Olympic debut in front of a home crowd.

“I feel really good, to compete in just the Olympics is amazing, but to do so on home turf is even more special and I’m really looking forward to being in Paris in two weeks.” 

One eye on the future

Whilst the immediate goal is to medal in Paris, Lombardi, who finished third overall on the WTCS last season, is one of the favourites to take the world title in 2024.

Understating her recent consistency, the French star said she was just happy to race well in Hamburg ahead of the Olympics, and that having the series lead is a bonus.

“It was really good [race in Hamburg], and I am just really happy to have the WTCS series lead. I thought I’d just wait and see how the run goes and I’m really happy with the final results.” 

With two more races left in the series, in Weihai in September and Malaga in October, the race for the world title will ensure that triathlon fans have plenty to look forward to beyond the Olympics.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
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!)
latest News
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
Alistair Brownlee - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
Olympic triathlon legend Alistair Brownlee completes iconic Gralloch race in latest gravel test
Jeanne Lehair Beth Potter WTCS Yokohama 2025
From Olympic heartbreak to joy of first WTCS win as emotions flow for Jeanne Lehair
Jonny Brownlee Tokyo 2020 Mixed Team Relay run leg
Triathlon superstar Jonny Brownlee has revealed why he will NOT be doing an IRONMAN any time soon
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...