Oliver Hayward heads into the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Pontevedra, Spain, feeling motivated.

Hayward will be part of a packed field of 70 for the junior men’s race, the first of the elite events at the championships. The 18-year-old, who had a busy summer competing internationally, will be looking to build on his 25th-place finish at the Europe Triathlon Junior Cup in Derry on September 5.

“Being in Spain for my first Junior World Championships is highly motivating,” Hayward told The Royal Gazette.

“Seeing my name among some of the best junior triathletes in the world is something truly special and I am sure it is an experience I will never forget.

“It is incredibly inspiring to see the world’s best athletes line up alongside you and know that you are there to compete with them, racing side by side on the same course.

“It is an experience I hope many more young Bermuda triathletes will get the opportunity to experience in the future, because it really is something special.”

The event in Pontevedra is the grand final under the current World Triathlon Championship Series name. Starting in 2027, the elite circuit will transition into the T50 World Championship Tour as part of a joint venture with the Professional Triathletes Organisation.

Hayward took part in the Parade of Nations, where 62 countries were represented yesterday and before that he took part in the reconnaissance of the swim and bike courses.

The young triathlete starts college at Loughborough University next week. Being at the institution will give him access to world-class training facilities, as it serves as one of British Triathlon’s elite Loughborough Triathlon Performance Centres and houses the federation's headquarters.

Next month, Hayward will be part of the Bermuda team seeking to defend the Carifta Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships, when the event takes place at Clearwater Beach from October 23-25.

“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this incredible opportunity possible,” Hayward said.

“In particular, I would like to thank the Bermuda Triathlon Association, along with the Department of Sport and Recreation for their continued support.

“Without that support, I would not be here today and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Bermuda on the world stage.”