Australia's Jake Birtwhistle has battled nerves and weary legs to hang on for World Triathlon Series bronze by a narrow margin on the Gold Coast.
The Tasmanian finished seventh in the series grand final on Sunday, running down multiple Olympic medallist Jonny Brownlee to enable him to finish 12 points - and one position - clear of fourth overall.
Spaniard Mario Mola's second placing meant he comfortably claimed a third-straight world title, while race winner Vincent Luis jumped Birtwhistle into second overall when he sprinted clear in the final two kilometres.
While disappointed not to challenge for a win in his home event Birtwhistle, 23, knew his efforts were worthwhile.
"I didn't quite have the legs on the run but coming in the goal was to remain on the podium.
"I kept fighting for every position I could and thankfully was able to manage that," he said.
Birtwhistle, who aims to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, had moved into second overall entering the ninth and final event of the series after a stirring run leg saw him snag a third place in Montreal last month.
The former Australian cross country talent admitted he felt the weight of expectation before becoming the first Australian man to stand on the series' final podium since Brad Kahlefeldt was third in 2010.
"Today I felt great but for the last couple of weeks it's been kind of building and building," the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games silver medallist said.
"The pressure was starting to get to me a little bit ... it topped that (pressure of the Commonwealth Games).
Mola, who was crowned junior world champion on the Gold Coast nine years ago joined countryman Javier Gomez as the only men to have won three successive world titles.
"It's been a great season," he said.
"(Gomez) set the path for all the others, particularly Spanish athletes. I could never imagine having three titles."
Birtwhistle's podium followed compatriot Ashleigh Gentle's race win in the elite women's event on Saturday.
The duo won't get a chance to repeat their efforts on home soil though, with Gold Coast and Australia cut from next year's program when it was announced in July.
The 2019 grand final will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, while Triathlon Australia officials are working to get the Gold Coast reinstated.
WTS OVERALL STANDINGS
1st Mario Mola (ESP) 6081
2nd Vincent Luis (FRA) 5060
3rd Jake Birtwhistle (AUS) 4884
4th Richard Murray (RSA) 4792
5th Kristian Blummenfeldt (NOR) 3936
17th Aaron Royle (AUS) 1991
22nd Ryan Bailie (AUS) 1658
25th Luke Willian (AUS) 1471
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