Alex Yee: Why Britain's Marathon Star Chooses Triathlon Over Full-Time Running
Alex Yee, Britain's second-fastest marathon runner ever, has made a heartfelt decision to stick with his first love, triathlon, despite the lucrative opportunities that could come from focusing solely on running. The two-time Olympic champion, who clocked an impressive 2:06:38 in Valencia last December, is prioritising authenticity and career longevity over potential financial gains.
Following His Heart
Yee, a Londoner, acknowledges that top marathoners can command six-figure race fees, but he is choosing to park those thoughts for now. He believes that being true to himself is key to maximising his performance and extending his career. "I think definitely trying to be the most authentic person that I can be is the way I get the best out of myself, and the way I keep the longevity of my career," Yee says. "So hopefully that is the best way for me."
He adds that while funding a professional athlete's lifestyle is necessary, he feels fortunate to be in a position where he can dictate his own path due to his success. This means resuming his focus on triathlon as he aims to defend his solo Olympic triathlon title at the LA 2028 Games.
London's Triathlon Revival
Yee's return to triathlon will see him race on home soil in July, when the World Triathlon Championship Series lands in London after a long hiatus. This event holds special significance for Yee, who as a teenager lined the streets to watch his heroes, the Brownlee brothers, compete at the 2012 Olympics. The elite race is part of a weekend of triathlon activity that organisers hope can emulate the popularity of the London Marathon.
"Things like the London Marathon, they almost stand on their own two feet as their own big event. And I think that hopefully the London triathlon can do a similar thing," Yee explains. "It's been going for a long time and I think the invigoration of [PTO circuit] T100 and others to refresh that is going to be really exciting and allows the London Marathon and us to compete alongside."
He expresses hope that the sport can create the same emotional impact as marathon running, noting the special feeling of reaching the start line. The London race will be rebranded next year as part of a collaboration between World Triathlon and the PTO, designed to make the sport more accessible and understandable.
Future Prospects for Triathlon
This partnership could also lead to further races at the PTO's trademark 100km distance being added to the Summer Olympic programme, potentially as soon as Brisbane 2032. Yee is open to this idea, seeing it as an exciting opportunity for the sport. "I think that any opportunity for triathlon to be put in the spotlight is great, and I think it's a very exciting format," he says. "It's very different to what we do [Olympic distance is 50km]. So yeah, I'm open to the idea. Having never raced it, I can't really comment too much on the racing dynamics but, as a fan, it's exciting to watch."
Yee's commitment to triathlon highlights his dedication to the sport that shaped his career, even as he continues to excel in marathon running. His story serves as an inspiration for athletes balancing passion with practicality in the competitive world of professional sports.
