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≡ SPOTLIGHT ≡
Call it a career (almost) for U.S. star Katie Zaferes, the 2019 World Champion and a two-time Olympic medal winner. She posted Monday on Instagram:
“After Tokyo I felt like there was more in me as a professional athlete. After these past two years, I’ve now realized I’ve given it my all at this level in my personal endeavor and @supertri_ Toulouse on Sunday will be my final race.
“I’m finding that my heart isn’t in it like it needs to be. There’s a part of me that still wants to love it and wants to want it. However, the most telling part is that I’m ok with the fact that I don’t. Other things are starting to excite me more. While 11 years might seem short to some and long to others, for me it’s perfect.
“I’ve spent 11 life changing, fulfilling years racing and achieving so much more than I ever thought possible. More than that, I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many people on and off the course (including [husband Tommy Zaferes] @tzaferes) that have made it super special and a home of sorts. The connections made, along with the experiences I’ve had, I’ll treasure forever.
“So a big thank you to @usatriathlon, @worldtriathlon, @supertri_, my sponsors and everybody it encompasses for making this last decade plus all it has been for me. Regardless of whether it was a time of highs or lows I always felt so supported and thankful that I got to be a part of this community and introduce [son] Kimble to it as well. I do look forward to being involved off the course in the future and remaining a part of this community that I love so much.”
Zaferes came to triathlon from being a steeplechaser at Syracuse University, where she was an NCAA finalist in 2011. Now 35, she won the Olympic women’s bronze at Tokyo 2020 and a silver in the U.S. Mixed Relay team. A two-time Olympian, she finished 18th in the Rio 2016 Olympic triathlon.
She enjoyed an amazing rise in the World Triathlon Championship Series, finishing fifth overall in 2015, then fourth, third, second in 2018 and took the title in 2019. In her championship years, she won five World Triathlon Series races, including the Grand Final; in all, she posted six World Triathlon wins, plus four World Cup victories.
And she has that last race coming up in Toulouse, on Sunday.
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