How triathlete Alistair Brownlee made others ‘dream and believe’

Growing up, Brownlee relied on the expertise and equipment available at Triangle Triathlon, a specialist shop in Guiseley not far from his childhood home in Horsforth.

It was run by Adam Nevins, who died in a road accident in April 2023, but is now managed by ex-triathlete Elliot Smales.

Mr Smales, 30, raced professionally for five years, occasionally coming up against Brownlee.

“The late Adam Nevins, who used to own and run the store, was a big part of Alistair and Jonny’s lives as they grew up, providing them with kit and bikes and going out and doing mechanics for them.

“So, it’s nice to carry on that side of the shop.”

It was Brownlee’s success at the London 2012 Olympics that inspired Mr Smales to pick up the sport.

“He’s been a great inspiration to everyone. I had the pleasure of racing him a couple of times.

“A pivotal moment in my career was a year where I podiumed and Alistair won the race and I was second.

“It makes you dream and believe. You look up to someone who is the best in the sport and if you’re right next to them, stood there on the podium, it’s ‘right so what else is possible’.

“I think he’s probably made a lot of people go off and chase dreams having seen what he’s done.”