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 -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO lens close up
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles review: can these high tech goggles actually help you to train smarter and swim faster?
Premium‘The difference from triathlon is so big – there’s no comparison’: Maya Kingma on life in the Women’s WorldTour peloton
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
TRIFIT VORTEX tri suit
The small but mighty tri brand you NEED to know about: Why TRI-FIT are on a mission to disrupt the triathlon apparel scene
latest News
Julia Skala end of Norseman 2025
“A fight for self-worth, strength and healing,” Julia Skala on world’s toughest triathlon
Steve McKenna got the win at the 40th edition of IRONMAN New Zealand.
Star IRONMAN athlete clocks a sub-2:20 marathon – and says there’s more to come
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Yo Yo Yo – London is calling’ – Sam Long the latest big name added to stellar T100 start lists
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
Hayden Wilde happy T100 Singapore 2025
Hayden Wilde – is he BACK for T100 London after injury nightmare?
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...