The Noosa Triathlon cancels the swimming leg for the first time in 43 years after shark sightings offshore force organisers to change the course moments before the race begins. Multiple outlets report that the decision is prompted by shark activity seen close to the swim area.
Different reports describe the swim-leg cancellation as covering the event’s 1,500-metre segment, with organisers making a last-minute adjustment. ABC Australia adds that surf lifesavers refuse to put lifeguards in the water on safety grounds, leading to the modification about an hour before the race starts.
International coverage ties the change directly to the day’s competition outcome: Matt Hauser is reported to have defended his Noosa Triathlon title after organisers scrap the swim. Overall, the accounts largely agree on the reason (sharks), the nature of the change (no swim), and the event’s long history—though details like whether the sharks are spotted by drones are emphasized more in some outlets than others.
