Jonny Brownlee - My greatest sporting moment

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An interview series looking back at favourite memories from sports stars around the world

“I actually watched the whole race back for the first time during lockdown. Several people had said they had watched it to give them inspiration which was really touching.”

Those were the words of Olympian Jonny Brownlee when we spoke with him to look back on the greatest sporting moment of his career. The race he was referring to? The triathlon at the London 2012 Olympic Games, of course.

Aged just 22, Jonny put in what he described as ‘the race of my life’ to win a bronze medal, and the day was made extra special by the fact that his older brother Alistair claimed gold in front of a raucous home crowd.

Jonny went one better at Rio 2016 by winning the silver medal as Alistair completed a remarkable two-peat, but the atmosphere from that day in Hyde Park eight years ago shines out for him above anything else.

“London 2012 was an incredibly special day,” recalled Jonny. “In terms of the crowd, the build-up and everything about it. I still think it’s the best triathlon that I’ll ever do.

“The Olympic Games was such a big moment for British sport. I remember the countdowns of 500 days, 100 days to go and the anticipation building. Running around my local woods people would say good luck, I’d never experienced that before and probably never will again.

“I’ll never forget the first lap on the bike after our swim and not being able to communicate with Alistair because it was so loud. The whole event just made me incredibly proud to be British and show that we could put on incredible sporting events.”

For the Brownlee brothers – as they are affectionately known throughout the UK – maintaining their usual routines was essential, but it quickly became clear that this was not just another triathlon.

They stayed at the same hotel as they had done for the selection race a year before and made a conscious effort not to travel down to London too early. The media scrutiny, however, was something entirely new to them.

“It was pretty difficult to keep our preparation normal because the Olympic Games had already started,” Jonny commented.

“On the morning of our race, I remember Alistair came into my hotel room for a chat and probably a cup of tea. We switched BBC News on, and they were broadcasting live from Hyde Park and talking about us.

“I’d never had that before and it was very difficult to try and make that normal. I remember saying to Alistair ‘don’t mess this up!’

“I was a bit more relaxed as I was so young and being my first Olympic Games, I was quite innocent and told myself that I’m going to look back on this day as an old man and I wanted to enjoy that day as much as I could.”

Jonny remains the youngest Olympic Games triathlon medalist in a sport that has typically benefited more experienced competitors.

His bronze medal was made even more impressive by the fact that he received a 15-second penalty during the race for mounting his bike too early.

He finished 20 seconds behind silver medalist Javier Gómez with some people suggesting the penalty ultimately cost him a chance at a Brownlee 1-2.

“To be honest, I’ve never actually seen the footage [it wasn’t broadcast as part of the coverage]. Initially I was really disappointed in myself that after all this training I may have cost myself a medal because of a silly mistake.

“I don’t think I’d have beaten Javier Gómez as he was on a very good day and so it’s unlikely to have changed anything.”

Standing on the podium to celebrate Olympic success is a moment that every athlete must dream of, but to do so alongside your brother must make it extra special.

“It was a really strange feeling to be honest,” Jonny remarked. “You never prepare for it as you never really think about it. I was really tired after a hard race and just wanted to go back to the hotel.

“I’d love to go back and do the podium again and really experience it and relish it. The whole day was emotionally really tough, so I was drained by the time the ceremony took place.

“Alistair said ‘whatever you do don’t cry,’ so I spent most of the time trying to hold back the tears.”

At Calacus, we believe that sport has a unique ability to inspire, engage and make a difference to society, and it’s great to see Alistair and Jonny give back to their sport and help use the power of sport as a tool for good.

Their success at London 2012 was about far more than individual glory and it’s a testament to them both that they have used their increased profiles to create a lasting legacy in this country.

They launched The Brownlee Foundation in 2014 to provide children with positive sporting experiences as well as supporting the development of coaches and teachers.

“The Foundation is something that I’m extremely passionate about,” Jonny said. “The legacy of London 2012 was talked about a lot around the Games, people continuing with sport and getting more active and competitive.

“It was something that Alistair and I realised we could help out with and that’s what led to us launching the Foundation.”

Over 30,000 children have done a triathlon for the first time over the past six years since its launch, with up to 10 events per year taking place for primary school kids. Jonny was quick to point out that the aim of the Foundation is all about making the events as accessible to children of all abilities as possible.

“If the children can’t swim then they can walk around the shallow end; if they can’t cycle then they are able to go on a scooter or stationary bike; and if they can’t run then walking or other options are available.

“It’s all about completion rather than times and it’s amazing to see how excited the kids are after finishing their first triathlon. Some turn up not even knowing what a triathlon is and some kids can’t believe they are able to finish it.”

The Foundation also runs weekly sessions in York and Leeds for kids that have got a taste for it to allow them to do some additional training should they wish.