Jonathan Brownlee: “I’ve had a terrible season”

A honest Jonathan Brownlee reflects on his "terrible season" and explains that he needs to be smarter this winter in order to get back to his best for 2019
Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon Jersey
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

“I’ve doubted myself quite a lot over the last few months”

After finishing fifth at this past weekend’s Super League Triathlon Jersey event, I spoke to 2012 ITU World Champion and two-time Olympic medallist, Jonathan Brownlee, about his SLT experience and his frustrating 2018 season.

A win at the Beijing International Triathlon, second at the Lausanne ITU Triathlon World Cup and a series of World Triathlon Series top ten finishes would be a dream season for some, but for an athlete that once went almost four years with close on 50 consecutive podium finishes, it is one – in his words – he regards as “terrible”.

In this piece Jonathan discusses mistakes he has made this year, getting injured, lacking confidence and outlines some of the things that he’s learned along the way. “I used to be able to throw any training I wanted at my body and it could take it and I would get fitter and come out the other side…”

Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.

Challenge Forte Village Sardinia 2026 results: Nikki Bartlett wins as Pierre Dupuy makes it three

Challenge Barcelona 2026 results: Kyle Smith storms clear as Nielsen wins five-second thriller

Courtney Dauwalter puts IRONMAN on her radar with “a hundred percent chance” verdict

Julie Derron targets T100 title push just five weeks after IRONMAN World Championship podium

Henri Schoeman reveals death threats over Brownlee Cozumel finish: ‘I’m finally ready to be proud of it again’

Challenge Roth champion Alanis Siffert headlines weekend double-header after stunning 2026 season

Taylor Knibb ‘quite possibly’ the world’s best female endurance athlete, says Cam Wurf

“The switch just turned off”: Kristian Blummenfelt explains his Kona meltdown

Challenge Forte Village Sardinia 2026 results: Nikki Bartlett wins as Pierre Dupuy makes it three

Challenge Barcelona 2026 results: Kyle Smith storms clear as Nielsen wins five-second thriller

Courtney Dauwalter puts IRONMAN on her radar with “a hundred percent chance” verdict

Julie Derron targets T100 title push just five weeks after IRONMAN World Championship podium

Henri Schoeman reveals death threats over Brownlee Cozumel finish: ‘I’m finally ready to be proud of it again’

Challenge Roth champion Alanis Siffert headlines weekend double-header after stunning 2026 season

Taylor Knibb ‘quite possibly’ the world’s best female endurance athlete, says Cam Wurf

“The switch just turned off”: Kristian Blummenfelt explains his Kona meltdown

Share to...