PTO World #13 Holly Lawrence has revealed that she is pregnant, with the British triathlon star announcing that she is expecting a baby girl with her partner Sean Jefferson in October.
The 34-year-old, who won the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2016, is one of 40 athletes contracted to the T100 Triathlon World Tour in 2024.
After finishing third at the first round of the tour in Miami last month, the PTO confirmed that they will be holding discussions with Lawrence about what they can do to support her as a contracted athlete.
“It’s been so hard to keep this little secret”
Sharing the news on Instagram, Lawrence said that it had been hard to keep the it to herself, but was excited to reveal her pregnancy.
“So relieved to finally share the news, It’s been so hard to keep this little secret to ourselves. We’re having a baby girl due end of October and we couldn’t be more excited!
“This definitely threw a curveball into what was shaping up to be an exciting year with the first T100 tour and a solid first race in Miami straight out of winter work. BUT I’m so ready for the challenge of becoming a mom AND racing at the top level.
“I believe I can come back from this pregnancy with the mom strength we’ve seen from so many who return better than ever, and with a new sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.”
When she returns to racing, Lawrence will hope to follow in the footsteps of athletes such as Kona winner Chelsea Sodaro, Olympic champion Gwen Jorgensen and others who have trailblazed a successful path in balancing motherhood with professional triathlon.
“Eternally grateful to my sponsors”
Thanking her team after breaking the news, Lawrence underlined how supportive her sponsors had been and said she was looking forward to sharing her pregnancy journey.
“I am eternally grateful to my sponsors who have been so supportive. I’m excited (and nervous) to share the journey with you all!”
As a contracted athlete on the T100 Tour, Lawrence was obliged to race six events in the series this year, but having only raced once so far, reaching that quota is unlikely.
TRI247 reached out to the PTO for comment on their maternity policy for the T100 Tour and what would happen to Lawrence’s spot on the start line. In response, the organization said they would be holding discussions with Lawrence in due course.
“It’s fantastic news for Holly and her partner Sean. There are mechanisms in place, but we’ll be talking them through with the athlete first of all.”
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
