Triathlon Australia board ratifies Jake Birtwhistle’s selection to Australian Olympic Committee

Jake Birtwhistle can throw all his energy into preparing for a life long dream of representing his country at the Olympics without the uncertainty of fighting for his spot on the Tokyo team

• Tasmania boasts two of the top triathletes in the country
• Multisport star sets sights on another Olympic campaign

TASMANIAN triathlete star Jake Birtwhistle is a step closer to realising his Olympic dream with the Triathlon Australia (TA) Board ratifying his selection to the Australian Olympic Committee.

TA has nominated Birtwhistle and Ashleigh Gentle for the Tokyo Games should the country earn a quota place at the completion of the TA qualification period mid year, pending World Triathlon quota allocation.

The nomination allows the Launceston-born athlete to now focus on his preparations instead of pushing for selection.

“This is something I’ve been dreaming about and working towards since I was a kid,” Birtwhistle said.

2019 Noosa Triathlon. Jake Birtwhistle crosses the line to win the Elite Male Race. Photo Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily

“To represent Australia at the Olympics is a huge experience, and today’s news is just another step in the right direction of that dream.

“It also takes a big weight off my shoulders. To have that certainty and not have to worry about selection heading into the 2021 season means that I can focus 100 per cent towards preparing for the Games.”

A 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Birtwhistle had a breakout 2019 World Triathlon season which saw him take out two World Triathlon Series races.

“Both Ash and Jake are proven performers at individual and relay, and I look forward to them preparing for success in Tokyo over the coming months,” National Performance Director, Justin Drew said.

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