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Writer's pictureElise Kulmala

World Triathlon Championship Finals 2024: Capturing the Atmosphere in Torremolinos

Over the weekend, I got my first taste of the triathlon world while photographing the World Triathlon Championship Finals junior competition in Torremolinos, Malaga. The event provided an excellent setting for photography—intense sports combined with beautiful scenery.




The World Triathlon Juniors often follow the sprint distance, which includes a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. This full course typically takes about an hour, depending on race conditions and individual athletes’ performances. In the competition, every second is meticulously calculated, and transitions are executed in a flash. Every stage—swimming, cycling, and running—is essential.




The race began with the swim segment, where young athletes sprinted into the sea. As soon as they emerged from the water, they started stripping off the top half of their wetsuits, preparing for the next leg: cycling. Their cycling gear was ready under the wetsuits to ensure a quick transition between stages. After the cycling section, the run awaited. When athletes arrived at the transition area with their bikes, they moved straight into the next phase by simply switching to running shoes. The run was the final segment, where the young athletes’ resilience and determination truly stood out.





In a triathlon, there’s no time to stop and think about the next move or to change clothes at a leisurely pace. All preparations are done in advance, and the race tempo is relentless. This intensity was evident in the Torremolinos competition as well.


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