Rio Olympics gold medallist Gwen Jorgensen has announced that she will be returning to triathlon in 2023.
The first-ever US triathlete to win an Olympic gold medal said in a statement through Team USA: “I am thrilled to announce my return to the blue carpet. I’m collaborating with my team to return to form and look forward to the work ahead as I invest in myself and USA Triathlon.
"I am inspired by the U.S. Mixed Relay team’s silver medal in Tokyo and aspire to contribute to that team in 2024. I believe Team USA can be one step higher in Paris!
"But this return is about more than just me. As a mom of two and long-time supporter of USA Triathlon, I strive to set an example that motivates and inspires my family and Team USA.”
A strong US women's team
Two-time world champion Jorgensen will be joining a strong US women's team, which includes the 2022 70.3 world champion and WTCS bronze medallist Taylor Knibb and WTCS fourth-place finisher Taylor Spivey.
The 2019 world champion Katie Zaferes, who had a baby in July 2022, also won bronze (individual) and silver (mixed relay) at the Tokyo Olympics and will be returning to the blue carpet this season.
A formidable team-mate
During her time in triathlon, Jorgensen utterly dominated the ITU circuit by winning every individual race she entered for three years between 2014 and 2016 (17 consecutive race wins, to be precise). In 2015 she also recorded the fastest run split in all seven of her races.
Jorgensen still holds the most World Triathlon Series wins (18) of any athlete, and the most career World Triathlon Series podium finishes (23), achieved from 36 starts.
Jorgensen announced her move to running at the end of 2017 following the birth of her first son, Stanley. In October of this year, Jorgensen gave birth to her second son, George.
Top image credit: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
