RACING TO RIO… Courtney Atkinson named to compete in Olympic Selection Trial Race in Rio

Courtney Atkinson

This August, dual Olympian and world champion triathlete Courtney Atkinson will compete in Rio for official selection ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games.

In confirming his selection, Atkinson said he is looking forward to being in the elite group of competitors chosen to be the first to trial the triathlon course for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“Getting the call up to be part of the first Olympic selection race is a big deal. It cements what I knew myself - that my training regime is well and truly on the right path. The people that I will compete against in Rio in August will be a very similar pack to those who will be there when the Rio Olympic competition rolls around. I can’t wait to get over there and on the course,” said Courtney Atkinson.

The Gold Coast triple threat recently returned to full-time International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon after a successful sabbatical exploring ultra-distance Ironman triathlon racing post the London Olympics.

Courtney’s return to ITU Triathlon will see him compete for the World Champion title against iconic backdrops around the globe. And with his selection for a coveted spot on the team to undertake the Olympic Selection Trial Race in Rio in August, it looks like the idyllic Copacabana Beach will be added to that list…

Joining the Australian Institute of Sport triathlon program in 2005, Courtney went on to become the number one Australian male at both the Beijing (2008) and London (2012) Olympic Games.

So far this year, Courtney has begun the journey to be the first Australian triathlete to compete at three Olympic Games with his sights firmly set on qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Now one step closer, Atkinson will head to Rio in August with his wife in support for the trial event that takes at the renowned Copacabana Beach.