Reigning IRONMAN World Champion Gustav Iden has announced that his 2023 season is over after a difficult year for the Norwegian superstar.
The 27-year-old from Bergen made the announcement just days before that title he won so brilliantly in Kona last October will be contested in Nice, France.
Gustav said he was “relieved” to be making the decision after a campaign during which he dealt with the devastating loss of his mother after a long battle with cancer. He struggled to find top form on track as he returned to short-course racing with a spot on the Norway team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games his major goal.
Iden had been on the start list for World Cup events in Valencia and Karlovy Vary this month in a bid to gain points in the race for Olympic qualification. But he has now decided to bring the shutters down on his 2023 with Achilles issues causing him concern.
Gustav Iden on 2023 season
Writing in an Instagram post, he said: “Its sad to announce that my season is over. Struggled a bit with my Achilles last few weeks. Together with my doctor and coach we decided to end the season here.
“I honestly feel relieved in a way. This year has been one test after the other, and I feel like I have failed them all. No matter what I did 2023 would never be a good one. To get injured was just the last failed test that ended this season once and for all.
“Will be spending some of my time off in Nice at the launch of a short movie/anime made by @on called TriKings staring @kristianblu and myself. It’s a shame to go to Nice and not race, but I will be back at the start line where I belong when the time is right.”
We all wish Gustav a speedy recovery, and hope to see him back on the start line and in top form in 2024.
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