Search
shop

Olympic Games Triathlon: Jonny Brownlee reacts after missing out on Paris 2024 spot for Team GB

Paris was "always a bonus" and will now be an "unwritten chapter" says triathlon legend after missing out on Olympics selection.
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Jonny Brownlee has given an emotional and classy response to the news that he has not been selected for Team GB in the Olympic Games triathlon at Paris 2024.

Wednesday’s (June 19) announcement marks the end of an era – the first time in 20 years that there will be an Olympic Games without either Jonny or his brother Alistair taking part.

Jonny is the most decorated triathlete in Olympic history. In his first Games he won bronze behind Alistair in front of huge home crowds in London in 2012 and then silver when the Yorkshire legends went one-two in Rio four years later.

And he completed the set by striking gold in the Mixed Team Relay in Tokyo.

That performance – he clocked the fastest leg that day – had prompted Jonny to bid for a fourth successive Games appearance in Paris but the second and final men’s place alongside Alex Yee has been given to 26-year-old Sam Dickinson.

Advertisement

‘I will be supporting the Team’

The call was a discretionary one for the three-person GB selection panel – and clearly finely balanced – but in typically measured style, Brownlee has taken it on the chin.

Writing on his Instagram page he said: “I have not been selected for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“The Tokyo mixed team relay was one of the many highlights of my career and I still believe I could have helped Team GB win another medal in Paris.

“I will be supporting the Team in whatever way I can and really hope they go on to defend the title!”

Jonathan Brownlee / Jonny Brownlee - World Triathlon Cup Arzachena 2022
[Photo credit: World Triathlon]

Brownlee is the nominated reserve on the men’s side in case of illness or injury.

‘An unwritten chapter’

And while it’s not the “fairytale ending” in terms of the Olympics that the 34-year-old was hoping for, he underlined that he still has plenty to look forward to in the sport.

He continued: “I have achieved more than I could ever have imagined in my Olympic career.

“After 99 world triathlon starts, 52 podiums and 3 Olympic medals, it’s not the fairytale ending that I’d wished for, but Paris was always a bonus, and it can be the unwritten chapter of an incredible book!

“I have a great summer to look forward to and some exciting racing ahead.”

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
Kona scenic 2022 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
The survey results which prompted IRONMAN’s dramatic Kona U-turn
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...