Javier Gómez Noya returns to an elite podium in Shanghai
Javier Gómez Noya He has returned to competition in the elite category and finished third in the Yangtze Delta International Triathlon in Shanghai, a result that confirms that the five-time world champion continues to maintain a very high level at 43 years old.
The competitive return of Javier Gómez Noya He produced one of those images that always attract attention in triathlon. The Galician, retired from professional competition since September 2024, pinned on a race number again this weekend in the Yangtze Delta International Triathlon and finished the race with a podium finish in the elite category.
The competition was held in Shanghai over Olympic distance without drafting, with 1.500 meters of swimming, 40 kilometers of cycling and 10 kilometers of runningIn that context, Noya signed the third position with a time of 1:49:26, second only to the Australian Brandon Copeland, winner with 1:45:47, and the New Zealander Mike Phillips, second with 1:48:46.
A podium that doesn't go unnoticed
Beyond the pure result, what is relevant is the context. Javier Gómez Noya He said goodbye to professional triathlon in 2024 after a historic career, but this Saturday he showed that he still has the engine to compete at a high level when he decides to return to the starting line.
The triathlete himself summarized the experience on his social media with a clear message: he highlighted the atmosphere of the event, the growth of triathlon in China and the value of sharing the podium with two old rivals like Copeland and Phillips.
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From retirement from professional sports to podium finish in elite competition
The result is even more valuable when put into perspective. Noya is not only the best Spanish triathlete in historybut also one of the world's greatest sporting icons. In the modern era of the World Series, he remains the man with the most world titles, with five crowns.
Since his retirement, Javier Gómez Noya has remained closely involved in triathlon, also holding technical positions within the Spanish Federation's high-performance structure. But staying connected to the sport is one thing, and competing at the elite level and finishing on the podium is quite another. That's exactly what he did in Shanghai.
This is how the men's podium finished
| Position | Athlete | Time |
| 1 | Brandon Copeland | 1:45:47 |
| 2 | Mike Phillips | 1:48:46 |
| 3 | Javier Gómez Noya | 1:49:26 |
Julie Derron won the women's race
In the women's category, the victory went to the Swiss athlete. Julie Derron with a time of 1:51:53. Your compatriot alani siffert She was second with 1:52:00 and Martina Ayu Pratiwi He completed the podium with 1:59:46.
The presence of Noya and Derron had already been highlighted in the official preview of the event, which placed this edition of Yangtze River Delta International Triathlon such as a meeting with top international names in Shanghai.
A timely, but highly symbolic return
It remains to be seen whether this appearance will be a one-off or if Javier Gómez Noya will become a more frequent participant in events of this kind. What is already clear is that, even after retiring from professional competition, he remains competitive when tested against active athletes.
And that, when it comes to Javier Gómez Noya, is never a minor piece of news.
