Racing My Own Race: A Day I’ll Never Forget

2026 World Triathlon Championship Finals – Pontevedra: Spain

Ollie Hayward

I’m at a lack of words about the whole race today. Simply put was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done, and I’m very glad to have been able to been in the race controlling my own narrative, instead of having to play catch up the whole time.

The swim was a boxing match simply put, practically coming to a stand still at all the buoys. Regardless I was able to make the main chase pack with a few familiar faces. We continued to put pressure on the front group and had we have had another lap we may just have caught them. This left me pretty shattered after having worked rather hard on the bike. Despite the tired legs I went heavy into the run splitting a 3:04 minute first km which I unfortunately couldn’t hold for the remainder of the race. This left me slightly spent heading into the second lap where I think all my excitement caught up to me and left me off the back off all the runners around me.

Despite this the run was and will be my most memorable part of the whole race. The crowds were immense with all the local school kids out screaming at the top of their lungs. I won’t be forgetting them anytime soon, as they made the run much more enjoyable.

Once again, I would like to thank the federation for giving me the opportunity to have my most memorable race to date. It is certainly something I will never forget regardless of how I progress in the sport.