Daniela Ryf, one of the greatest triathletes in the sport’s history, has announced her immediate retirement from the sport.
The 37-year-old ‘Angry Bird’ had announced earlier in 2024 that this would be her final season in elite triathlon, but it was disrupted early when she was diagnosed with a coccyx injury after a painful eighth-place finish at IRONMAN South Africa.
Daniela had initially hoped to return for T100 London in August, but she was forced to shelve that plan when the injury did not heal as desired. Now she has been forced to make the announcement that she will not be able to race again in 2024.
It’s a big blow for Ryf, who should be at the forefront of any GOAT conversations in swim/bike/run, in any era. She has been an unbelievable ambassador for the sport, and has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Wowing fans and inspiring other athletes to new levels.
Ryf announces retirement
She announced the sad news in a post on her Instagram account on Monday morning:
“Unfortunately, I have to announce that I’m retiring early and won’t be able to do any more races this year.
“My doctors have discovered the cause of the pain in my coccyx. The diagnosis is an inflammation at the end of the spinal cord (conus medullaris). I’ve been treating it with the hope of being able to race again towards the end of the year. We’ve tried everything to recover, but the treatment hasn’t been as effective as we had hoped. It’s time to respect the signs my body has been giving me. I have regained solid fitness, but the injury prevents me from training the volume and intensity I need to, to get back to the top level.
“This year, my goal was to give it my all one more time. The outcome is not what I hoped for, but knowing that we tried everything makes me feel at ease. I am grateful for what I have achieved over the years and the incredible performances my body has delivered.
“I am beyond thankful to my team, especially my coach, my girlfriend, and my friends and family for their support. I am grateful to my partners who have stood by my side, and I am excited for our projects next year.
“Letting go of the goals I’ve set for myself is hard and something I have never had to do before. This is why I have been struggling to make this decision, but my coach, my doctor, and I have decided it’s the right thing to do for my long-term health.”
What comes next for Daniela?
“It’s time to take it easier and enjoy life more 😁🙌🏼. I look forward to the next chapter, even if it hurts to let go.
“I will be in Nice on the sidelines to celebrate triathlon with all of you. Last but not least, thank you to my fans for all the love, cheering, and support I’ve felt throughout my career ❤️ I will cherish this crazy journey forever.
“Don‘t be sad it’s over. Be happy that it happened! 😁”
Ryf’s incredible triathlon CV
Daniela’s unbelievable career brought her many accolades, and a palmares which is quite simply jaw-dropping.
She dominated the sport in long-course terms to an incredible extent for many years, claiming five IRONMAN World Championship titles in the process, along with five IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship wins. Quite astonishing.
Before transitioning so brilliantly to long-course, the Swiss star had represented Switzerland twice in the Olympics, at Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.
