Search
shop

Duffy surprised at Jorgensen’s return to the sport ahead of Paris 2024

Dame Flora Duffy shares her thoughts on the return of Gwen Jorgenson to the sport, the woman she succeeded as Olympic champion.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Reigning Olympic Champion Dame Flora Duffy admits it came as “a big surprise” when she heard Gwen Jorgensen, the woman she succeeded as Olympic champion, was returning to the sport with the intention of competing at Paris 2024.

But underlining the challenge that awaits Jorgensen, Duffy warned the “level has really increased” in recent years.

Speaking to us at the Global Triathlon Awards, where she was named the female athlete of the year, Duffy said she will be interested to see how the comeback maps out but is unsure on the impact that 2016 Olympic Champion Jorgensen will now have on the women’s race dynamics.

“It was a big surprise”

Duffy said: “It was a big surprise to myself and many others to hear that Gwen was going to return to triathlon.”

Duffy finished eighth behind gold medallist Jorgensen at the Rio Olympics in 2016, before taking the title herself in Tokyo in 2021.

Jorgensen, who raced for the Bowerman Track Club and Nike during her running career, announced at the start of December that she would be returning to triathlon, after almost six years out of the sport.

Jorgensen explained she was “inspired” by the USA’s mixed-team relay silver medal in Tokyo and added: “I hope to contribute to that team in 2024 and think Team USA can be one step higher in Paris.”

“Level has really increased”

Jorgensen, who in triathlon holds five of the fastest ten Olympic distance run splits, will hope her running prowess can change the dynamics of the women’s racing at the Olympic Games in 18 months time.

But Duffy sounded a cautionary note: “I don’t believe it will change too much as since the time that she has stopped racing the level has really increased.”

The 2022 World Champion added: “In particular in the run, but it has really increased across the board, in swim, bike and run.

“It will be interesting to see how her journey goes but I don’t think the race dynamics will change at all initially.”

Although Jorgensen offers a different threat to Duffy’s title defence, the Bermudian is the current Olympic, Commonwealth and World champion for a reason, and will relish racing the strongest field possible next year in what could be her final Olympic Games.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Chicago 2024 photo credit supertri
Georgia Taylor-Brown on enjoying her busy “year off” and wanting “to go out on a bit of a high”
challenge roth race ranger
Challenge Roth publish RaceRanger anti-drafting data from both pro races in a first for triathlon
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...