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Van Coevorden, Hauser lead Games tri team

3 minute read

Natalie Van Coevorden's persistence and strong form have paid off, with the NSW triathlete to make her Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham.

Two days after headlining Australian results at the latest World Triathlon Series round, Natalie Van Coevorden has been confirmed for her Commonwealth Games debut.

Van Coevorden and Matt Hauser boast the strongest form among the three men and three women named in the Australian triathlon team for the Games.

The 29-year-old had the best Australian result of 11th at the world series round on Saturday in Leeds, which raised her three places on the series rankings to 13th.

She was also the top Australian on the world series rankings last year in 14th spot, but missed out on Tokyo Olympics selection.

Hauser showcased his medal potential last month with a career-best fourth at the world series round in Yokohama.

He and Sophie Linn were automatic selections after they won the Gold Coast triathlon in April, while the remaining berths were selectors' calls.

Jake Birtwhistle and Hauser return to the Games after winning gold medals on the Gold Coast in the mixed relay event.

Birtwhistle also won silver in the individual triathlon, while Hauser was fourth, and Charlotte McShane returns to the Games after her 11th in the women's race four years ago.

Linn and Brandon Copeland will join Van Coevorden in making Games debuts.

Birmingham will be a major litmus test for Australian triathlon after a disastrous Tokyo Olympics, where there were no medals.

Australian triathletes used to dominate the sport, but they also won no medals at the Rio Olympics.

Games selection is also vindication for McShane after overcoming a back injury that troubled her for two years.

"Somehow I've made it out the other side, with more love and appreciation for the sport than I could have imagined," she said.

"I am in a really good place physically and mentally, surrounded by an amazing support team, and I know I have so much progression left in me over the next couple of months."

The individual triathlons in Birmingham will be the sprint format - a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

The mixed relay event, featuring two men and two women per country, will feature a 300/5/2 course for each competitor.

Australia's para triathlon Games team of eight athletes, who will compete in the vision impaired category, was named last month.

The triathlon events will be held at Birmingham's Sutton Park on July 29 and 31.