Javier Gómez Noya quits elite triathlon: “I didn’t want to compete if I couldn’t be at 100%”
Javier Gómez Noya, five-time world triathlon champion, has decided to end his professional career at the end of this season.
With 26 years of experience in elite triathlon, the 41-year-old Galician has officially announced his retirement after sharing his thoughts at a breakfast with the press in Madrid.
During the meeting, held at the Santander Work Café on Paseo de Recoletos, Gómez Noya expressed his emotions about this new stage: “I will miss the routine of how you feel training and the competition, especially at the Olympic distance, which is where I have enjoyed the most and the one that best suits me.".
An indelible legacy
With a career that includes five world championships in the Olympic distance, four European titles and a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Javier Gómez Noya has left an indelible mark on world triathlon.
He has also excelled in other disciplines such as long-distance triathlon and Ironman 70.3, where he has won several victories and medals throughout his career.
Javier Gómez Noya He mentioned how his beginnings in triathlon were not easy, facing medical and bureaucratic difficulties.
However, his effort and perseverance led him to become one of the most important triathletes in history.My beginnings were hard, but I always worked very hard and I was able to get ahead."He reflected.
Reasons for his withdrawal
In his statements, Gómez Noya He explained that the decision to retire was not sudden.You don't just wake up one day and decide to retire."He commented.
In recent times, he noticed that he did not feel the same enthusiasm for competing at the highest level and decided to respect the physical limits of his body: “Competing at 80% would not allow me to be with the best in the world“, said the Galician.
The desire not to drop the level and the feeling of having given everything in his career were the main reasons for his decision.I decided to take a step back and enjoy sport in a different way.", he explained calmly.
New horizons
Despite his retirement from elite competition, Javier Gómez Noya will not be disassociated from triathlon.
The Galician plans to become a coach, after having completed the corresponding official courses.I would like to continue to be involved in the sport of triathlon and pass on my experience to the new generations."He commented.
His knowledge of the Olympic distance, both in physical and tactical terms, makes him a valuable resource for future triathletes aspiring to reach the highest level.My generation had less knowledge, but we knew how to work long-term, something I want to pass on to young people."He explained.
Rivalries and recognition
During the talk, Gómez Noya also highlighted the rivalry with Alistair Brownlee, whom he considers “the triathlete with the highest level I have ever seen".
Despite the moments of tension between the two, he said there was always mutual respect: “He was one of the first to contact me when I announced that I was going to retire.".
Throughout his career, Gómez Noya has been recognized with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in 2016 and the Gold medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit in 2013.
Without a doubt, his legacy in triathlon will be engraved forever.
