WAIS graduate Jaz Hedgeland has been selected as part of a six-strong Australian Triathlon Team for Tokyo, the sport’s sixth Games since it debuted in Sydney 2000.
Australia is the only country to secure the maximum six quota spots for Tokyo, with Australian athletes consistently performing at the top levels of international triathlon.
Hedgeland secure Australia a third spot in the women’s competition after winning the Oceania Championships in Queensland last month. The 26-year-old is joined on the team by Rio Olympians Ashleigh Gentle and Aaron Royle, and fellow debutants Jake Birtwhistle, Matt Hauser and Emma Jeffcoat.
On top of their individual events, the athletes will contest the Mixed Triathlon Relay in the event’s Olympic debut. An event Australia has had great international success in, medalling in every Mixed Relay World Championships they’ve contested in since 2015 with a gold, three silver and a bronze.
Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo Ian Chesterman congratulated the triathletes on their selection.
“It’s fantastic to announce Emma, Jaz, Jake and Matthew to their first Olympics and to welcome Ashleigh and Aaron back to the Australian Olympic Team,” Chesterman said.
“These athletes have shown tremendous perseverance and grit to make it through the challenges of the pandemic and to secure their place at the Tokyo Games.
“I’m particularly excited to see the team compete in the Olympic debut of the Mixed Relay, the team element has brought out wonderful performances from Australian athletes and I’m sure they will represent the country proudly again in Tokyo.”
