Katie Zaferes To Retire After supertri Toulouse
Two-time supertri champion Katie Zaferes will retire from the sport after supertri Toulouse this weekend.
Zaferes, 35, whose all-conquering form saw her capture back-to-back supertri titles in 2018 and 2019 is certain of a huge send off in front of the mass crowds that make Toulouse one of the most iconic races on the circuit.
Zaferes is one of the most successful triathletes of the last decade with a World Championship title and Olympic silver and bronze medals to her name.
She has made the comeback from giving birth to her first son, Kimble, to race again at elite level, but has decided the time is now right to step away from the sport.
Her Stars & Stripes team manager, Parker Spencer, said: "Katie Zaferes has been an incredible role model and ambassador, not just for American athletes but for anyone who participates in sport. As a two-time Olympic medalist, it’s an honor to see her close out her career as one of the sport’s most successful athletes, racing with Stars & Stripes in Toulouse. I am excited about Katie’s next chapter and the significant contributions she will continue to make in triathlon."
In a post on her social media channels, Zaferes said: “It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.-Alan Cohen.
“This is a quote that I have loved for a while, but only recently has become one that is resonating in a personal way again.
“After Tokyo I felt like there was more in me as a professional athlete, but after these past two years, I’ve now realized I’ve given it my all at this level in this personal endeavor and @supertri_ Toulouse 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. But the most telling part is that I’m ok with the fact that I don’t; and other things are starting to excite me more. 11 years might seem short to some, long to others but for me it’s perfect.
“I’ve spent 11 life changing, fulfilling years racing and achieving so much more than I ever thought possible along the way. However, more than that I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many people on and off the course (including @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 Kimble to it as well. I do look forward to hopefully being involved off the course in the future and remaining a part of this community I love so much.
“Never say never, but at this point we are nearing the final stop on this particular journey and I truly did enjoy the ride.”
