Erica Hawley was happy with her performance at the World Triathlon Championship Finals Wollongong in Australia on Sunday.

The Bermudian placed 28th of the 35 elite women who completed the 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run. Three competitors did not complete the race, while one was lapped.

“It was a great experience in Wollongong,” Hawley told The Royal Gazette.

“My first elite worlds was definitely nerve-racking but I’m happy with the overall result and experience.

“I really enjoyed the bike course. It was very challenging and dynamic but I felt like I positioned myself well and executed an efficient bike leg.

“The swim was probably the most challenging aspect of the race. They changed the course due to the swells about an hour before the race, which impacted a lot of people and added a lot of stress.

“I am happy with how I executed my race. The Olympic distance is still something I’m figuring out and learning but I was where I needed to be going into the run.

“I fell a bit short of what I wanted on the run but I would say it was still forward progress and I’m getting closer and better at this level.

“I’m motivated to continue to improve at this distance and keep growing as an athlete. Overall, I’m satisfied with the result and motivated for 2026.”

As the year winds to an end, Hawley is coming home to compete at the Cambridge Beaches Bermuda Triathlon, scheduled for November 2.

The 27-year-old said: “I’m very excited to come home and compete in this event. It was so well run last year and it’s super important for me to get home and race locally when possible.”