Adelle Parkinson-Need Claims Silver in International Debut

On her international debut, Westminster Year 11 student Adelle Parkinson-Need proudly claimed silver for Australia at the 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

Competing in the 16–19 Age Group Sprint Distance Duathlon, Adelle delivered an exceptional performance to finish second, earning Australia’s first medal of the Championships and making an immediate and impressive contribution to the national Age Group Team.

“To compete against some of the best athletes from around the world in the age group duathlon was incredible,” Adelle said.

“With over 80 female athletes on the start line and perfect weather conditions, the competition was fierce, so formulating a strong race strategy and adhering to it was critical. The feeling when I crossed the finish line in 2nd place was indescribable elation.”

Her journey to the world stage has been shaped by months of focused preparation.

“I felt so honoured to be selected to represent Australia and this was key to motivating me to focus on a six-month intense training schedule to do myself and my country proud,” she said.

“To give myself the best possible chance of success, I dedicated 12–20 hours per week to specific running, cycling, swimming and strength and conditioning training. I had to forgo other sports like netball and basketball and often had to trade social functions for early nights in order to perform well.”

Adelle backed up later in the week to contest the aquathlon event, placing 16th in a highly competitive international field.

Next up, the 16-year-old will continue to balance her studies and training in preparation for the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong this October.