SwimRVA was represented on the World Stage this past week as SwimRVA member Suzanne McWilliams competed in the 2025 World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong, Australia. Racing in the 75-79 Age-Group Sprint Championships, Suzanne crossed the finish line in 12th place.

Suzanne’s ultimate goal at the Championship was to finish the race and avoid injury, which she  The race began with an out-and-back-in 750m swim in the Wollongong Harbour off Cove Beach. Described as “rough, but beautiful”, the swim went well for Suzanne. The bike course provided similarly gorgeous views, as the clockwise 20km route ran through Wollongong and its surrounding suburbs. By the time Suzanne got to the run, she had to “dig deep” to finish the 5km course, which is described by the event as “breathtakingly scenic”, to meet the finish line and conclude the race.

Finishing the event brought various emotions- pride for completing the race, motivation to continue triathlons, and gratitude for the support from friends, family, neighbors, coaches, doctors, colleagues, and especially her husband, Julius. 

Outside of the competition, Suzanne also enjoyed exploring all that Australia had to offer. From popular tourist destinations like the Sydney Opera House to exploring local neighborhoods and restaurants, the trip was one to remember.

With her first World Championships in the books, Suzanne already has her next goal in mind: Compete in next year’s Championships in Spain.

To celebrate her qualification during the months leading up to the competition, Suzanne raised over $12,000 to directly contribute to funding SwimRVA’s Learn-To-Swim programming for second grade students in the Richmond region. Her support not only aids in teaching critical water safety skills to Richmond youth, but also grants them the opportunity to find joy in swimming and multisport fitness.

“Fitness is for everybody,” Suzanne explained. “You don’t have to be a star athlete to enjoy moving your body. Physical activity can inspire happiness and longevity in all people. I envision a future in which all of Richmond’s residents have the opportunity to learn how to swim, so that water fitness can be an opportunity for their own life-long wellness. Learning how to swim and becoming comfortable in the water is the first step towards this possibility.”