Germany’s Lisa Tertsch produced a spectacular performance to claim her first-ever World Triathlon Championship title, overtaking Great Britain’s Beth Potter and France’s Cassandre Beaugrand in the overall standings after a thrilling final in Wollongong, Australia.

The 26-year-old German athlete crossed the finish line in 1 hour 56 minutes and 50 seconds, finishing 14 seconds ahead of Italy’s Bianca Seregni and a further 12 seconds ahead of France’s Emma Lombardi. The victory earned Tertsch 1,250 ranking points, bringing her total to 3,886.26, enough to leapfrog both defending champion Beaugrand (3,577.04) and 2023 winner Potter (3,313.18).

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Tertsch’s Breakthrough Moment

Tertsch, who was part of Germany’s gold medal-winning mixed relay team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcased her endurance and tactical intelligence in difficult racing conditions. The Wollongong course, known for its steep climbs and humid, blustery weather, tested athletes to the limit — but Tertsch thrived.

She remained within striking distance throughout the swim and bike legs before breaking away decisively on the 10km run, using the hilly terrain to her advantage. Her consistency throughout the season finally paid off, crowning her as 2025 World Triathlon Champion.

Speaking after her win, Tertsch said:

“This is the moment I’ve been working toward my entire career. The course was brutal, but I knew if I stayed patient, I could find my rhythm in the final run. It feels surreal to finally be world champion.”

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Potter’s Struggles in the Heat

For Britain’s Beth Potter, the day brought disappointment. The Olympic bronze medallist entered the event joint leader in the standings with Beaugrand and was aiming to secure her second world title after triumphing in 2023.

However, the 33-year-old Scot struggled to find her usual pace on the demanding run section and finished 16th, falling short of the points needed to retain her crown. Despite the setback, Potter still secured third place overall, capping another consistent season on the world stage.

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Beaugrand Fades as Title Hopes Slip Away

Defending champion Cassandre Beaugrand of France began the final event in strong form but faltered early on the run. She lost ground quickly amid rising temperatures and crosswinds, eventually finishing outside the podium positions.

Her fourth-place overall finish underscores the fine margins that define elite triathlon, with every second — and every ranking point — critical in the championship race.

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Hauser Dominates Men’s Championship

In the men’s competition, Australia’s Matt Hauser completed a near-perfect season, clinching his first world title with victory in Wollongong.

Hauser clocked 1 hour 42 minutes and 42 seconds, comfortably ahead of Brazil’s Miguel Hidalgo and Portugal’s Vasco Vilaca. His consistent top finishes throughout the season secured him a commanding total of 4,250 championship points, underlining his dominance in 2025.

The home crowd erupted as Hauser crossed the line, confirming Australia’s rise as a triathlon powerhouse on both the men’s and women’s circuits.

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Looking Ahead

With the 2025 World Triathlon season now complete, attention turns to the 2026 campaign, where Tertsch will defend her newly earned crown and Potter and Beaugrand will look to bounce back.

As the competition intensifies heading toward the next Olympic cycle, this season’s results have reaffirmed the sport’s unpredictable and global nature — where resilience, pacing, and adaptability remain the hallmarks of champions.