English triathletes Jonny and Alistair Brownlee take a surf lesson and meet a koala

BRITISH triathletes Jonny and Alistair Brownlee have taken their chances with a real-life Borobi as they soak up a little Gold Coast culture, but despite the “amazing experience”, there’s one thing they hope they don’t have to explain when they get home after their encounter.

BRITISH silver medallists Jonny and Alistair Brownlee took their chances with a cuddly Koala at the beach at Burleigh Heads.

The brothers joked about the iconic Australian marsupial’s reputation for suffering from chlamydia as they got up close with Bunker from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

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“It is amazing how soft they are,” Alistair Brownlee told News Corp, laughing as he added: “I have heard they all carry that (chlamydia) so hopefully I didn’t catch anything.”

Alistair responded: “That’d be a hard one to explain when you get home. I’ve seen them in the trees but never up that close. It is an amazing experience.”

Team England Triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee with Bunker the Koala and a handler from Currumbin Wildlife.

The Brownlee brothers, who won silver behind Australia in the mixed team relay, met Bunker at the beach before taking in a surfing lesson.

After six weeks in Australia, they left the country today, Alistair flying to China for a competition and his brother home to the UK.

“Silver is nothing to be embarrassed about, I would have rather have gotten gold though,” Jonny said. “Unfortunately we were beaten by a better Australian team at the end of the day.”

The brothers were disappointed not to be sticking around the party after finishing their sport but said “our season continues”.

British triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee had a surf lesson at Burleigh Heads before flying overseas after spending six weeks on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“Most people are still competing so there has been a few people who have finished who do have a bit of a party but the vast majority of people have still got races left and some people haven't even started yet so they have their heads down,” Alistair explained.

Originally published as English triathletes Jonny and Alistair Brownlee take a surf lesson and meet a koala