Search
shop

Gillian Sanders offically retired, ending ‘one amazing journey’

Gillian Sanders ended "one amazing journey" when she announced her retirement from professional triathlon.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Gillian Sanders ended ‘one amazing journey’ this week as she officially announced her retirement from professional triathlon competition.

The South African star competed in three Olympic Games and double-digit World Championships during a fine career, which ended at Super League Triathlon Malibu last month.

Advertisement

Retiring on her own terms

Making the announcement in a post on her Instagram channel, Gillian said she had always wanted to end her career on her own terms. Job done.

She said: “As athletes, the risk of our careers being cut short due to injury/illness etc is a very real one, so to be able to call the shots & say, ‘this is it, the end of this road’, I feel very extremely fortunate.

“11 years later I’m proud to have gone to 3 Olympic Games (London, Rio & Tokyo), 2 Commonwealth Games & 10 World Championships. I’m 7 x African Champion, have achieved a top 5 & numerous top 10s in World Triathlon Series races.

“I’m the only South African female to be on a World Cup podium since 1993, I’m a Commonwealth Games silver medallist as well as having attained multiple Continental Cup podiums.”

A triathlon life well lived

As well as blazing a trail for South African short-course triathlon, Gillian also talked about the amazing life she has led in the sport, and the amazing people she has met.

“Achievements aside, it’s been one amazing journey! I’ve met some incredible people along the way, made friends for life & traveled to every corner of our beautiful world.

“Nelson Mandela said ‘Sport has the power to change the world, it has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.’ This has resonated with me throughout my career.

“Sport teaches the most incredible life lessons. I’ve had some of my highest highs & lowest lows in my life as an athlete. It lays you out there, bare, open & vulnerable like nothing else does.

“But one thing is for certain, I’ve learnt so much about myself in the process and am absolutely a more rounded & better person for it all; and for that, I’m exceptionally grateful.”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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

Share to...