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‘Nothing we can’t overcome’: Tauranga Mayor Drysdale gears up for world triathlon showpiece
Kieran Bingham • August 7th, 2025 10:00 am
Mahé Drysdale | Photo: Photosport
Tauranga is set to welcome the pinnacle of short-course triathlon when it hosts the World Triathlon Championship Finals in 2028.
It’s a landmark moment for the city, which will also host the World Triathlon Cup in 2026 and the World Triathlon Championship Series in 2027, solidifying its place on the global triathlon map.
Speaking about the announcement, Tauranga Mayor and Olympic rowing legend Mahé Drysdale told Sport Nation's Afternoons the events will be transformative for the city.
“This is great for the city, getting that vibrancy and showing that we are a can-do city," Drysdale told host Mark Stafford.
"We love events and embrace them. I don't think there's something we can't overcome.”
With local star Hayden Wilde eyeing Olympic glory in Los Angeles 2028, the timing of the championship finals could be perfect. The home crowd might just get to see him close out his short-course career on the streets of Tauranga.
“Hopefully as the Olympic champion in 2028 – no pressure, Hayden – he’ll come and finish his short-course career here at the World Triathlon Championship Finals,” Drysdale said with a smile.
For athletes, the chance to compete on home soil is rare and special.
“It's an absolute privilege when you are at the top of your game and you get to compete at home.
“But it's also pretty awesome when you meet kids and up-and-coming athletes now that say, I was there at Karapiro (2010 World Rowing Champs) and I was inspired to take up the sport.”
Drysdale celebrates at the 2010 Word Rowing Champs | Photo: Photosport
Drysdale believes that inspiration is one of the most powerful legacies of hosting events like this.
“You can't really measure that, but it's so good for those up-and-coming athletes to see the best in the world competing here in their own country.”
The 2028 event is also well placed in the global triathlon calendar, landing just months after the Olympics. For many elite athletes, that post-Olympic window is ideal for a final, celebratory race.
“Athletes may not usually travel this far just for an event, but with this being the culmination of the year, a lot of people will want to be here. A lot of athletes work in four-year cycles, with the Olympics being the culmination. So I think many will take the opportunity to come and enjoy our beautiful country.”
Hosting a major triathlon event also comes with logistical challenges – but Drysdale is confident Tauranga is ready.
“Triathlon doesn't require a huge amount of infrastructure. We've got our natural environment, and we just make that fit. You've got to build a transition zone and some grandstands, and then they swim in the harbour and bike on the road. It’s reasonably low touch in that respect. It's just about putting everything together.”
Accommodation, he admits, is an area the city will need to work on.
“It’s one of our glaring issues in Tauranga. But we host 14,000 kids at AIMS Games and we make it work. I'm very confident we’ll make this work and make it very successful.”
For Drysdale, the transition from elite athlete to city leader brings a new perspective.
“It's a different sort of view of the world now. Rather than show up and compete, you're behind the scenes making sure that when the athletes do show up, everything’s set and it’s all seamless for them. It’s a challenge, and I’m really looking forward to being on the sidelines."
Listen to the full interview below:
