Jake Birtwhistle Q&A with WYN republic
Meet Jake Birtwhistle — a 30-year-old rising triathlon star based in Launceston, Tasmania. Originally a standout runner with 11 Australian Junior Championship titles in middle and long-distance events, Jake transitioned to triathlon at 17.
His top career highlights include: WTCS Leeds & Hamburg Champion, 2018 WTS Overall Bronze Medalist, Silver Medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, & 70.3 Tasmania Champion
A breakout 2018 season saw five top-five WTS finishes, and in 2019, Jake claimed his first WTS victories with standout performances in Leeds and Hamburg, finishing the season ranked sixth overall.
As of St. George 70.3, Jake is currently ranked 5th in the IRONMAN Pro Series, making him one to watch this season.
Get to know Jake in our latest Q&A — including where he’s racing next and what’s fueling his 2025 season goals.
WYN republic: This is your first season racing long course outside of Australia. Tell us about your experience of racing your first events in the USA this year.
Jake: Racing in the USA has been really cool, these events are iconic so it’s been great to now experience them first hand. The supporters all have their favourite local athletes, so I have been able to fly under the radar a bit more than I do when racing in Aus. I expect that might change a bit going forward the more I come back here and I’m able to perform at the front of these races, but right now I appreciate each cheer a bit more when I hear my name called from the supporters along the course.WYN republic: What’s been the biggest difference in racing long course over short course for you?
Jake: The biggest difference of the longer distance I think is that it allows you more time to get things right and make up for mistakes. In short course small errors can cost you the race, in long course you have more time to adapt to race scenarios and overcome more obstacles.
WYN republic: You’re currently sitting in a top 10 position in the Ironman Pro Series after an impressive start to 2025. Are you planning to make the step to the full Ironman distance this year or in the future?
Jake: I am definitely looking to race a full Ironman in the future. I don’t have any plans for it to be this year but I expect I’ll be racing in Kona in the not too distant future.
WYN republic: What WYN product(s) have been in high rotation during your training?
Jake: The Luceo 2.0 bib shorts are my go-to choice to see me through all of my bike training. The increased riding volume required for long course pairs perfectly with them.
WYN republic: Where will we see you race next?
Jake: Next up, I’ll be racing T100 San Fransisco.
WYN republic: Major goal for 2025?
Jake: The 70.3 world championships if the main goal for the year, and just trying to get better and better each race between now and then.
