Yee set to fulfil boyhood dream at London Marathon

Alex Yee has announced his intention to take part in next year’s London Marathon – but insists that does not mean he is about to turn his back on triathlons.

The Olympic and world triathlon champion, 26, has won four Olympic triathlon medals – including individual gold and mixed relay bronze at Paris 2024. 

For Lewisham’s favourite athlete, it will be his first ever competitive tilt at the distance. 

The step up in distance will prove testing – even Mo Farah, a double 10k Olympic champion – found it to be a bridge too far when he gave it a go.  

But Yee, who previously ran for Great Britain in cross country races, is undaunted by what Sunday, April 27 has in store. 

“Committing to the London Marathon for me was a no-brainer. It is an event that has given me so many memories,” said the five-time Mini London Marathon finisher. 

“Taking part in a full marathon has always been an itch I’ve wanted to scratch and there isn’t any another place than London that I would want to start that journey.

“For me, the London Marathon has always been a special day. Growing up, the Mini-Marathon was a  special one to do and I remember leaning over the barriers as a child watching the elites come through and now to have an opportunity to do that I think is really, really exciting.

“But this isn’t a break from triathlon. I still have LA (the next Olympics) very firmly in my sights.”

Yee sensationally overhauled New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde in the closing stages in Paris to win his first individual Olympic title back in August. 

He then claimed the world title for the first time in October after finishing third in the final run in Spain. 

It is little wonder that he was shortlisted for this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year. 

In Tuesday night’s glitzy awards night at MediaCityUK in Salford, Yee was up against Keely Hodgkinson, Jude Bellingham, Luke Littler, Joe Root and Sarah Storey in the battle for the main award. 

Hodgkinson won the vote from the general public, but Yee, appearing alongside his mum and dad and partner Olivia, charmed the audience and spoke about his incredible gold medal run.

“I think it was all about just not giving up. I think it’s been in the DNA. I’ve been taught never to give in. I wasn’t having my best day but gave my best,” he said.

And he gave a mention to that well-documented moment when another triathlon great, Alistair Brownlee, urged him on from the sidelines by saying: “Anything can happen mate, don’t give up!”

Yee added: “I’d come such a long way and worked so hard. I got the silver medal in Tokyo and that was amazing, but didn’t want to settle for that. I wanted to lie my head on that pillow at the end of the day and say I’ve given 100 per cent and I’m proud of that.”

Partner Olivia said the experience had not changed him and he remained a ‘down to earth’ guy who still hangs out with his mates and collects Pokeman cards.

Pictured top: Alex Yee with his gold medal after the Paris Triathlon (Picture: PA/Alamy)