Jonny Brownlee excluded from British triathlon team for Paris Olympics

Jonny Brownlee, a renowned figure in British triathlon, expressed his disappointment after not being selected for the British triathlon team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This decision marks the conclusion of a successful era for Jonny and his brother Alistair in the sport. The Brownlee brothers have been key figures in British triathlon for over a decade, collectively securing five Olympic medals. Alistair, who first competed in the Olympics in 2008, achieved gold in London 2012 and successfully defended his title in Rio. Jonny, on the other hand, earned bronze in 2012, silver in Rio, and gold in the Tokyo relay event.

Despite initially retiring after the Tokyo Olympics, Jonny aimed for one final Olympic appearance in Paris. However, his performance post-Tokyo did not meet expectations, leading to his exclusion from the team. The last men's spots were awarded to debutant Sam Dickinson and Tokyo silver medallist Alex Yee, leaving Jonny out of the selection.

In an Instagram post, Jonny Brownlee expressed his belief that he could have contributed to another medal for Team GB in Paris. He reflected on his illustrious Olympic career, which includes 99 world triathlon starts, 52 podium finishes, and three Olympic medals. While Paris would have been a bonus, Jonny views it as an unwritten chapter in his remarkable journey.

Performance director Mike Cavendish acknowledged Jonny's capabilities but highlighted the challenging decisions involved in team selection. Cavendish emphasized the selection of Sam Dickinson, citing his strengths that secured him a place on the team for Paris.

The exclusion of Jonny Brownlee from the British triathlon team for the Paris Olympics signifies the end of an era for the Brownlee brothers in the sport. Despite this setback, Jonny's remarkable career and contributions to British triathlon will always be remembered. As the sport moves forward with new talents like Sam Dickinson, the legacy of the Brownlee brothers will continue to inspire future generations of triathletes.