Search
shop

Jonny Brownlee – ‘We write people off a bit when they enter their 30s’

Triple Olympic medallist relishing the chance to prove he's still got what it takes as he looks to close in on a spot at Paris 2024.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Jonny Brownlee will look to kickstart a crucial season for his Olympic qualification bid with two races in the space of a week – WTCS Cagliari on 27 May, followed by the European Triathlon Championships.

The three-time Olympic medallist, who struck gold with Team GB in the Mixed Relay in Tokyo, has raced just once so far this season, when seventh to Norway’s Vetle Thorn in the Europe Triathlon Cup Quarteira in late March.

But in his column in the Metro he confirmed: “My first big race of the year will come next month in the World Triathlon Championship Series event in Sardinia and then the European Championships in Madrid will follow that in June.”

Advertisement

‘Paris is not a free hit’

Jonathan Brownlee / Jonny Brownlee - World Triathlon Cup Arzachena 2022
[Photo credit: Janos M. Schmidt / World Triathlon]

Brownlee’s overriding target is a fourth Olympic Games following London 2012 when he won individual bronze, Rio 2016 when he collected the silver and of course Toyko in 2021.

At both London and Rio his brother Alistair claimed gold, but he is now focussing on middle and longer distance and soon makes his seasonal reappearance at the PTO’s European Open on 6 May.

And talking about his current motivation in his Metro column, Jonny said: “I thought so much would change, especially with my brother Alistair now having retired from Olympic triathlon competition, but I am a routine person and thankfully it all feels the same as I try to qualify for next year.

“Going into Tokyo in 2021 I thought ‘this is it, my last shot at an Olympics’ but this time I go in with contentment at what I have achieved so far. I have a little more relaxation about me in training – not loads but enough to make me feel a touch less pressured from the outside.

“Paris is not a free hit but more a chance to go and prove to myself I can still cut it at elite level. Having that mindset is really helping me. I have learnt every session doesn’t have to be perfect. I am a lot more level-headed.”

Generation game

Alex Yee, who was inspired by watching the Brownlee brothers in action at London 2012, is in pole position for Team GB ahead of Paris after beginning his season in perfect style with victory at WTCS Abu Dhabi and he too is on the start list in Italy.

But Brownlee underlined he still has much to offer when he added: “We write people off a bit in elite sport when they enter their 30s but I’m 32 and feeling fit and up for the challenge. Perhaps you feel you have to keep on proving yourself and that drives you on.”

He ended last season by demonstrating exactly that when finishing the Super League Championship campaign on the podium alongside relative youngsters Hayden Wilde and Matt Hauser, who are both 25.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Cassandre Beaugrand wins WTCS French Riviera 2025
WTCS French Riviera 2025 women’s results: Home win for Olympic champion Beaugrand
Matt Hauser wins WTCS French Riviera 2025
WTCS French Riviera 2025 men’s results: Statement win from Hauser as he repels Yee and Wilde
Cassandre Beaugrand finish line WTCS French Riviera 2025
WATCH AGAIN: WTCS French Riviera 2025 as Beaugrand and Hauser star
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun results 2025: Matthews and Kraft take the titles
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
WATCH AGAIN: Kat Matthews a class apart at IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2025
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...