British triathletes Alex Yee and Olivia Mathias are preparing to compete together at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, aiming to make history as a couple representing Team GB in the same relay event. The pair, who have been together for eight years, recently reflected on their journey both as athletes and partners, highlighting how their relationship has become a source of strength in their careers.
Yee, 28, gained national attention for his dramatic gold-medal finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he overcame a 14-second deficit in the final lap to edge out New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde. Mathias, 27, was at times vocal during the race, concerned about the possibility of Yee losing the lead, while Yee recalled encouragement from double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee, who reminded him that “anything can happen” until the finish.
Both athletes first found inspiration in London, pointing to the 2012 Games as a pivotal moment that spurred their Olympic ambitions. They are now competing together in the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) event in London, the first elite triathlon hosted in the British capital since 2015. Yee described the event as an important opportunity to motivate younger athletes by showcasing high-level competition close to home.
Their careers have not been without setbacks. Yee suffered a severe crash in Sardinia nine years ago, resulting in a collapsed lung, broken ribs, and vertebrae damage. Doctors initially feared for his future in elite sports, but Yee’s recovery was guided by a local expression emphasizing resilience and renewal. Similarly, Mathias faced challenges including injury ahead of a WTCS race in Cagliari, where she ultimately decided to withdraw despite family plans to attend. The Italian island, a site marked by both hardship and success, holds complicated significance for the couple.
Outside of competition, the pair share their lives with Jet, their black Labrador, whose presence they credit with bringing balance and comfort amid the pressures of sport. “He’s brought a lot of enjoyment to our life,” Yee said, noting Jet’s unconditional affection is a welcome respite from the highs and lows of racing.
Yee and Mathias stress that their partnership extends beyond mutual support, serving as a competitive advantage. They maintain boundaries between their personal and athletic lives, focusing on relaxation together away from triathlon talk. This balance helps fuel their motivation and wellbeing.
Their shared experience in the sport also allows them to learn continuously from one another. Mathias admires Yee’s ability to maintain perspective and presence, while Yee highlights Mathias’s resilience and dedication, especially her breakthrough podium finish at a WTCS event after a difficult previous year.
As the WTCS London event unfolds, the British duo’s participation offers a compelling narrative of collaboration and ambition ahead of the next Olympic cycle. Races for elite women and men are scheduled for July 25, 2026, with live coverage available through the BBC’s digital platforms.