Jonny Brownlee on his way to mixed relay gold at the Tokyo Olympics (Picture: PA)
I surprised even myself by choosing to carry on to the 2024 Olympics but I believe the fact it is just three years between Games plays into my hands now I’m into my 30s.
Three years means there is not that ‘down’ year to go and do other things and steer clear of serious competition, and at my age this shorter gap going into Paris is to my advantage.
I thought so much would change, especially with my brother Alistair now having retired from Olympic triathlon competition, but I am a routine person and thankfully it all feels the same as I try to qualify for next year.
One thing I have realised is I’ve never stopped and reflected on my career and that is something I need to work on. It may be a while before I can do that but I intend to take in everything about the road to Paris.
Going into Tokyo in 2021 I thought ‘this is it, my last shot at an Olympics’ but this time I go in with contentment at what I have achieved so far. I have a little more relaxation about me in training – not loads but enough to make me feel a touch less pressured from the outside.
Paris is not a free hit but more a chance to go and prove to myself I can still cut it at elite level. Having that mindset is really helping me. I have learnt every session doesn’t have to be perfect. I am a lot more level-headed.
If you had asked me in Japan whether you would see me at the next Games, I’d have said no. I never expected to still be going for Olympic medals and never expected to still want to but I will always appreciate just how amazing it is to have the opportunity to compete at a Games and be part of Team GB. From the kitting-out sessions to competing, the Olympics is the ultimate event for an athlete and an absolutely incredible experience, one I have been fortunate to have had three times already.
We write people off a bit in elite sport when they enter their 30s but I’m 32 and feeling fit and up for the challenge. Perhaps you feel you have to keep on proving yourself and that drives you on.
There are of course different things which keep you going during an Olympic cycle. As hard as it gets, you know the end goal of being on that startline in France will justify the hurt and the pain of the preparation.
I know, come 2025, I will be able to step away and do more things for me, even something like adventure racing, which I have never had the chance to do, and go skiing. I know I won’t be competing at the top level forever and that is in the back of my mind.
Team GB’s golden quartet of Jonny Brownlee, Alex Yee, Jessica Learmonth and Georgia Taylor Brown celebrate in Tokyo (Picture: PA)
Plenty of other things keep me going during those long days of training in the freezing cold, with short-term aims like a nice dinner, a dog walk, or even watching Leeds on television – although maybe not so much that last one at the moment.
My first big race of the year will come next month in the World Series event in Sardinia and then the European Championships in Madrid will follow that in June.
To go to a fourth Olympics would be a dream come true and my focus is purely on getting to Paris now. I’m enjoying the ride. Who knows, I may not be ‘too old’ to do it all over again after all!
Brownlee Fitness is a leading multi-sport training company founded by Alistair and Jonny Brownlee. The team offers a supportive and motivational environment for athletes of all levels, providing expert coaching, structured training plans and state-of-the-art sports technology. Visit www.brownleefitness.com
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Another Games will be a dream come true.