It’s been one of the all-time great triathlon partnerships and coach Dan Lorang has penned a heartfelt tribute to athlete Anne Haug, who announced her retirement from the sport earlier this week.
Haug, a two-time Olympian, became a legend of the sport once she moved up to longer distances. Her consistency for finishing on the podium at the highest level was unmatched and she was crowned IRONMAN World Champion in Kona in 2019.
Only last year – aged 41 – she broke the world record for the fastest full-distance time by a woman when she won Challenge Roth in 8:02:38.
But health issues and injury setbacks in the 12 months since then have forced her decision to call it a day.
‘Achieving something truly great’
Lorang – who is also Head of Performance for the Red Bull – BORA-hansgrohe pro cycling team – has an unrivalled record himself in triathlon.
He had a similarly enduring relationship with the great Jan Frodeno and also coaches the likes of top female triathletes Lucy Charles-Barclay and Taylor Knibb.
But the longevity of his association with Haug has rarely been matched – the two met while studying sports science at university in Munich and the rest is history.
Writing in a post on Instagram addressed to Haug, Lorang said: “For over 20 years, we’ve worked side by side to bring out the very best in you as an athlete.
“Throughout this journey, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with countless passionate and dedicated people, turning over every possible stone in pursuit of excellence. We were lucky to share unforgettable moments of triumph, but we also had to navigate many valleys – where it was especially you who always found the strength to rise again and launch a fresh attack.
“I’ve rarely encountered an athlete who lived their sport with such professionalism. Your drive was never just about a love for the sport, as it is for so many others. For you, it was always the challenge – the thrill of pushing past limits and taking your body to the next level of performance. And even when others had already written you off, you returned again and again, never once doubting deep down that you were capable of achieving something truly great.”
Incredible journey
Lorang continued: “On a personal level, our collaboration over these past two decades has been marked by extraordinary openness, honesty, mutual respect, laughter, understanding – and above all, a shared passion to reach the absolute maximum of what was possible.
“Anne, it has been a true honor to walk this path with you as your coach, alongside all the wonderful people who have supported you. And I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it.
“You once wrote to me: ‘Together, we broke many records – but also many bones.’ That chapter is now coming to a close – at least the bone-breaking part ;-). You’ve more than earned the chance to discover new facets of life and to embrace the many adventures that lie ahead.
“Anne, see you soon – not as athlete and coach anymore, but as friends who can share anything with each other.”
Wonderful words which underline what must be one of the strongest and most successful athlete / coach relationships of all time.
Laura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
