JAKE BIRTWHISTLE

TRIATHLON

With six medals from three Commonwealth Games, Australia have a proud triathlon history, especially on home soil. The last time Australia hosted the Games, in Melbourne in 2006, they won the men’s and women’s double with Emma Snowsill and Brad Kahlefeldt. Jake Birtwhistle will lead the charge on the Gold Coast. A world-class junior runner, Birtwhistle turned to triathlon at the age of 17. Now 23 he has been chalking up international podiums, including a gold medal at the 2017 Hamburg ITU mixed relay world championships. Australia have great depth in the men’s and women’s races and Birtwhistle will be racing alongside another up-and-comer in 19-year-old Matthew Hauser who is also capable of a medal.