TRIDENT High School twins Oliver and Xavier Christie have come home with some extra luggage from the World Triathlon Multisport World Championships in Townsville.

The event saw thousands of athletes from around the world land in Australia to compete in 19 world championship races across five levels, including age group, para triathletes, junior, under 23 and elites.

Racing was split across two venues, with road-based events of duathlon, aquathlon, long-course triathlon and aquabike based out of Jezzine Barracks.

Off-road events such as cross triathlon and cross duathlon were hosted at the Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.

Oliver and Xavier, who put in hours of hard work prior, each came home with a medal.

Oliver picked up gold in the duathlon and Xavier bronze, while another New Zealander finished between the Eastern Bay duo to pick up silver and make it an all-New Zealand top three.

Xavier said representing New Zealand was an unforgettable experience.

“We had a really cool experience, but found it very hot.

“It was our first time competing overseas, and we enjoyed meeting and training with other Kiwi athletes.”

They said the hot conditions made racing challenging.

“The dry heat that was around 30 degrees made the duathlon really hard,” Oliver said.

Training in new conditions helped them perform well and was outside the pair’s comfort zone.

“We really enjoyed training in the outdoor pool by the beach and getting to train somewhere new with other New Zealand athletes.

“The opening ceremony was also a highlight as it featured a smoke ceremony. Overall, it was an awesome two weeks,” Oliver said.

The duathlon, where they medalled, had 80 competitors.

They are not sure how many entered the aquathlon, but said it was the biggest event.

Unfortunately, Oliver got sick and was unable to compete in this event.

“I am happy. I did all I could in the first race but expected more from myself in the swim in the second race. The water was murky, making it hard to see; I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face, and there were crocodile finders, making the swim quite scary,” Xavier said.

Neither had any expectations going into the race and didn’t expect to place on the podium.

They hope to get the opportunity to represent New Zealand again and make the Eastern Bay proud.

For now, the pair are turning their focus to the New Zealand triathlon season and will compete in a variety of races throughout summer.