Professional triathletes who have retired in 2024
The year 2024 will be remembered as a year of transition in triathlon, with the retirement of great figures who have marked an era in this sport.
From Olympic champions to legends of HOMBRE DE HIERROHere we review the names that said goodbye to the professional circuit, leaving an indelible legacy.
Alistair Brownlee and Javier Gómez Noya: Two legends, two unrivalled careers
The British Alistair Brownlee and Spanish Javier Gómez Noya announced their retirement this year, ending a rivalry that defined more than a decade in triathlon.
Brownlee, a two-time Olympic champion (London 2012 and Rio 2016), revolutionised the sport with his aggressive racing style. Gómez, a five-time world champion and silver medallist at the London Games, is retiring after a season marred by injuries, but he has left his mark as one of the most versatile and admired triathletes.
Both will remain linked to triathlon: Brownlee as the author and founder of projects such as the Brownlee Foundation, and Gómez as the coach of the Spanish team for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Daniela Ryf: The queen of IRONMAN says goodbye
With 10 world titles in IRONMAN and 70.3, Daniela Ryf She retires as one of the best triathletes of all time.
The “Angry Bird” was unable to overcome a tailbone injury that affected her performance this year, but her legacy in triathlon is indisputable.
Katie Zaferes and Emma Jackson: Two stars of the short-course
Katie Zaferes, World champion in 2019 and double Olympic medalist in Tokyo, announced her retirement after failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games.
Emma Jackson, Olympian in London 2012 and medallist at the Commonwealth Games, she also said goodbye this year, leaving behind a career marked by perseverance and the fight against injuries.
Tim O'Donnell and David McNamee: Consistency and legacy in Kona
Tim O'Donnell, known for his consistency in the IRONMAN world championships, announced his retirement after a decade competing at the highest level. In 2019, he finished second in Kona and survived a heart attack in 2021, a story that moved the triathlon world.
David McNamee, double bronze medallist in Kona (2017 and 2018), is also hanging up his wetsuit this year. His legacy in long distance racing is an inspiration for young triathletes.
Sarah Crowley and Laura Zimmermann: Inspiration in and out of sport
Sarah Crowley, a world long-distance champion and pioneer of Australian triathlon, left her professional career after feeling ready for new challenges.
For its part, Laura Zimmerman, who competed in the first-ever women's IRONMAN in Nice this year, returns to academia as an orthodontist.
A year of farewells
With so many leading figures retiring, 2024 marks the end of an era in triathlon.
These legends not only defined the sport in their respective times, but also paved the way for future generations of triathletes.
Although we will no longer see them on the starting line, their legacy will live on in every event and in every athlete who aspires to follow in their footsteps.
