Search
shop

British triathlon star Sam Dickinson given major award for putting team ahead of himself at Paris Olympics

Sam Dickinson honoured for epitomising the team before self mantra with 'Spirit of high-performance sport' award.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Dickinson‘s selfless and superb performances at the Olympics have been recognised with a major award.

The Briton sacrificed his own race in the individual event to help team-mate Alex Yee to gold – and then played an integral part in powering the Mixed Relay team to a thrilling bronze medal.

And this week when the Team GB Olympic and Paralympic high-performance community came together to celebrate the incredible success in Paris at the PLx Awards, Dickinson was given the ‘Spirit of high-performance sport’ award.

That “recognises a sport, member of staff, athlete or team that has risen to a challenge and done so in a way that embodies, what you interpret to be ‘the spirit of high-performance.”

Advertisement

‘Tough ask’

The awards were hosted by UK Sport Chair Dame Katherine Grainger and the tribute to Dickinson read as follows: “Sam went to the Paris Olympics as a relay specialist and supported Alex Yee in winning an individual gold medal.

“He was directed to ride for Alex in the individual race, tracking any attacks and threats from other riders. He was asked not to finish the individual race as it might hamper his ability to perform in the relay. It was tough to ask him to put the team ahead of himself in a very public way, which is exactly what Sam did.  He recorded a DNF, having stepped out a short way into the 10k run.

“This epitomises the ‘team before self’ mantra, which is critical in team events in high-performance sports. Sam then became part of the incredible bronze medal-winning mixed triathlon team.”

Sam Dickinson PLx award 2024 photo credit Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Sam Dickinson collects his award [Photo credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix]

Dream come true

It echoed his performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham when Yee called Dickinson “a hero” after he helped him to individual gold before combining for Mixed Team Relay success.

After receiving the award, Sam said: “The Olympics is a dream for many people, and for most, it remains a dream. But for me, it came true.

“It was a super tough decision to take, but I will say two things: Alex is a high-calibre athlete. And even better than that, he’s a top lad too. And I would do it every other week and twice on Sundays for him. 

“It was just one task at a time, and I needed to show the team that I was all in for the relay. Being part of the relay team was amazing because it was a team of world-class athletes and me. It was just amazing to be able to contribute in that way.

“There are many people beyond the athletes we see on that relay team, but I get to be at the heart of it, which is a privileged position.”

And the same Team GB display was hailed earlier this week by none other than Olav Aleksander Bu, the Norwegian coach who guided Kristian Blummenfelt to the gold medal at the previous Olympics in Tokyo.

He told TRI247: “Alex’s win was so well deserved with all the effort, with all the work that they did there – and with the tactics, with teamwork becoming increasingly important.”

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
Challenge Family Jort Vlam CEO
“It’s not just for nutty people who train 40 hours a week!” Jort Vlam on taking triathlon mainstream and why he’s still inspired to keep growing the sport
Chain hanging to dry after waxing
PremiumSwitching to a waxed chain could take minutes off your Ironman bike split, without riding any harder – and here’s why
PremiumAre women better than men at long distances? We uncover the truth once and for all
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Sian Rainsley Vitus
PremiumThreshold or VO2 max? The best type of intervals for triathletes who want to get faster
latest News
Taylor Knibb congratulates Julie Derron at T100 San Francisco 2025
WATCH LIVE NOW: Incredible fields battle it out at T100 London 2025
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Lionel Sanders on his way back – but Nice too soon so sights set on new targets
Adam Peaty photo credit Aquatics GB
Gordon Ramsay, Adam Peaty and Harry Judd face Olympic challenge at T100 London
James Elvery / RaceRanger
RaceRanger anti-draft tech set to be added to motos by next season reveals CEO
Hayden Wilde Alex Yee Olympic Games Triathlon Paris 2024
Welcome shock as Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde renew rivalry on the French Riviera
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...