Acting like true champions

Even as children, triathlete brothers Alistair and Jonny Brownlee were already showing the athletic talent – and steely competitiveness – that would lead them to their various world titles and last year’s Olympic glory.

“I think parents have a certain responsibility to get kids active, and people like us do too,” says Jonathan, 23, who took the London 2012 bronze medal.“Parents need to give kids ideas and opportunities, but at the end of the day kids themselves have to choose whether they want to be active.”

The brothers are teaming up with Warburtons Half and Half bread to produce an online scrapbook of activities for kids, aimed to get them up off the sofa and into the big outdoors.

Gold medal winner Alistair, 25, says: “We were always very active as kids – some of my earliest memories are going on walks with my parents.”

The brothers say that as children they loved doing anything outdoors, nearly always with an element of competition, be it playing football or playing conkers.

“As a kid, it can sometimes be tough being the younger brother,” admits Jonathan.

“Alistair usually got the better of me.”

Alistair chips in to agree: “I loved challenging my brother. As the older brother, I always won ... of course!”

Jonny is very keen to point out though that, nowadays, he gives his big brother a run for his money.

“Watch out Alistair, Rio 2016 is coming ...” he laughs.

He also adds there were some hidden benefits to being the younger brother.

“I expected to get beaten by Alistair because I was younger, so in a way it was easier for me – I could compete and enjoy it more, whereas Alistair always had to win. I could learn from that.” He also learnt the idea of entering his first triathlon from his brother. Alistair started competing – inspired by his uncle who enjoyed triathlons – aged 11, and Jonathan quickly followed aged eight or nine.

“I copied my brother into it really,” say Jonathan. “I saw him doing it, thought it was cool, and thought I’d do it as well.”

The Brownlee brothers from Bramhope raced in different age categories until Jonathan was 17 and began competing at senior level. Alistair beat him in their first triathlon together. The first time Jonathan beat his brother in a “serious” triathlon was in the London world series in 2010, when Alistair collapsed before the finish line and Jonathan ran past him. He finally beat him without any collapses or injuries in the world sprint championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2011.

However, Jonny stresses his motivation is not simply beating his brother.

“It’s to get as fit and as fast as I can and do the best I can.

“I don’t train or race all the time to beat Alistair – definitely not.”

Both men admit that having each other there to train with and compete against has been a major factor in their success.

“It’s been absolutely key,” says Jonathan.“From starting at a young age and having someone to train with on those dark, cold nights and rainy days, to needing to spend four hours on a bike and having the motivation of your brother going out too.

“It’s been absolutely crucial.”

Visit the Brownlee brothers’ Half & Half Scrapbook at www.facebook.com/warburtons