PROJECT PARIS 2021

PARIS 2024 WILL BE HERE BEFORE WE REALISE, BUT AFTER SIX NEW FACES STOOD ON THE INDIVIDUAL PODIUM IN TOKYO, IS IT TIME FOR A NEW GENERATION OF OLYMPIANS, OR THE LAST STAND OF THE OLD GUARD?

- TIM HEMING

So often in triathlon, the Olympic Games provides a watershed. A last hurrah for the big names of the sport, a realisation they can no longer compete on the biggest stage or have the will to commit to chasing qualifying points around the world. The path clears for the next generation; those emerging to establish themselves at the top echelon of the sport.

This year it’s a little different. Those hanging on for one last shot at Olympic glory in 2020 were forced to wait an extra 12 months. Already committed since 2016, few wanted to let go. It meant another year on the clock for the Spanish stalwarts, Javier Gomez, 38, and Mario Mola, 31. Eight World Triathlon titles between them, they finished 25th and 10th, respectively. Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig, 39, with medals from the past two Olympics would be sixth; Britain’s Rio bronze medallist Vicky Holland, at 35, was 13th.

Age doesn’t have to be a defining factor – even at Olympic level – but fortune plays its hand. Had 2020 run to plan, France’s Vincent Luis and USA’s Katie Zafares would’ve been gold-medal favourites. This summer, injury (Luis) and loss (Zafares’ father) changed that script. But it also afforded time for others, such as Britain’s Alex Yee to develop; for Flora Duffy to gain health and win gold.