Paris Olympics 2024: Lewisham’s Alex Yee wins triathlon gold for Team GB

Yee, 26, crossed the finish line at the River Seine beating Hayden Wilde with a dramatic late sprint.

The Team GB athlete was 14 seconds behind Wilde going into the final two kilometres of the run but overtook his New Zealand rival in the closing stages.

Yee, who won silver in Tokyo three years ago has claimed Team GB’s sixth gold medal of the Games.

"I’m so grateful to everyone who’s been in my corner for the past three years. That was for them," Yee told BBC Sport.

"At 5km [on the run leg] I was going through a really bad patch and with 2.5km to go I thought I’m going to give myself one last chance at this and not give up, and here we are."

Yee completed the race in 1:43:33. The triathlon consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. The event in Paris had been delayed by 24 hours – with competitors only getting a few hours notice – after water quality in the River Seine was deemed unsafe.

Labour MP for Lewisham North Vicky Foxcroft congratulated the local athlete.

In a post on X, she wrote, “It's GOLD for Lewisham North's Alex Yee! 

“Absolutely amazing finish. Huge congratulations!”

Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres also shared her praise for the athlete calling him “one of Lewisham’s finest.”

In a post on X, she wrote: “That was a thrilling race and an outstanding achievement. From the London Youth Games and training in Ladywell Arena to an Olympic Gold Medal at Paris 2024! 

“You are a true inspiration to young people in Lewisham and right across the country.”