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World Triathlon president Antonio Arimany paid tribute to Brownlee, saying his legacy will “live as long as the sport itself”. <\/p>\n
“Alistair\u2019s contribution to the world of triathlon over more than two decades is immeasurable,” said Arimany.<\/p>\n
“He is a true icon of our sport and he will inspire generations to come of young triathletes from all around the world.”<\/p>\n
Brownlee’s first Games came in 2008 in Beijing, where he finished in 12th place.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t until 2012, when Brownlee won gold on home soil, that he captured a legion of fans. <\/p>\n
Having been in school when London was awarded the 2012 Games in 2005, Brownlee took gold seven years later by beating Spanish rival Javier Gomez by 11 seconds.<\/p>\n
Alongside his brother Jonny, who took bronze in London, Brownlee has taken the sport to new heights, the pair competing against one another on the world’s biggest stages. <\/p>\n
Shortly after London 2012, the brothers launched the Brownlee Foundation, a charity aiming to inspire children from all backgrounds to take up the sport.<\/p>\n
In 2016, Alistair helped Jonny over the finish line at the Triathlon World Series event in Mexico after he’d started to wobble on the home straight.<\/p>\n
Jonny, two years younger than Alistair, was leading the race when his legs started to give way in the Mexican heat.<\/p>\n
Alistair, who was in third position at the time, propped his brother up for the final 700m and helped him over the line to finish ahead of him in second place. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n