Arguably the greatest athlete in long course triathlon, Swiss star Daniela Ryf has today announced that she will be retiring from professional triathlon at the end of this season.
The 36-year-old, who has won an incredible ten world championship titles and competed at two Olympic Games during an illustrious career, will say goodbye to the sport in 2024.
Breaking the news on Instagram, the PTO World #8 said that the timing feels right and revealed her final race calendar as she prepares to push herself to the limit one last time.
“It simply feels like the time is right”
Having won the last of her world titles in St. George two years ago, Ryf has finished eight and fifth at the last two IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.
Despite not featuring in Hawaii, she was still able to produce one of the best results of her career last season, when she won Challenge Roth and in the process obliterated the world record with a stunning 8:08:21 clocking.
Looking back on the last two decades as a professional triathlete, the Solothurn native said that despite mixed emotions about the decision, the time was right to retire.
“After 20 years in professional sport, 10 world titles and breaking the world record, I’ve reached more than I ever dreamed of.
“My body has achieved extreme performances and I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to push it so far. Sport has taught me to be tough, it has allowed me to find and define myself and create my own path.
“That’s why I am sad and happy to announce that this will be my last season as a professional athlete. It simply feels like the time is right.
“I am still filled with passion for the sport”
Looking ahead to her final season, the former Kona record holder will look to chase one more IRONMAN World Championship title alongside success in the brand new T100 Triathlon World Tour.
“I am still filled with passion for the sport and my love for it has grown even more throughout the years. With the T100 World Tour and two Ironman races I assure you many chances to celebrate this last season with me.
“I will be racing in Miami, San Francisco, London, Las Vegas, Dubai and the final of the T100 World Tour as well as the Ironman South Africa and the Ironman World Championship in Nice.”
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