The 2016 Olympic champion Gwen Jorgensen has put her return to the sport on “pause” after electing to have surgery to remove a recurring Haglund’s deformity in her foot.
Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone where the Achilles tendon attaches.
The recovery process is typically measured in months rather than weeks and the news extends what has been a frustrating spell for the American star.
Jorgensen has shot up the rankings since her shock comeback in 2023 – she is currently #9 in the world – and 2025 started in fine style with a win in the Americas Triathlon Cup Miami and then a fourth place at WTCS Yokohama in mid-May.
That had her targeting a first WTCS podium since her return but a puncture scuppered her hopes at WTCS Alghero later in May and then she wasn’t able to get in contention at WTCS Hamburg in July.
‘Proactive decision’
Next up would normally have been the first-ever WTCS French Riviera at the end of August but she’s obviously not on the start list for that and it remains to be seen when she is back in action.
Writing on Instagram on Tuesday, alongside a photo of her smiling from her hospital bed, the 39-year-old explained: “This morning, I had surgery to remove a recurring Haglund’s deformity in my foot.
“It’s something I first dealt with years ago, and while it’s rare to see it return, it showed up again after Yokohama. Thankfully, we caught it early, my Achilles is in good shape, and I was able to make a proactive decision.
“I’ve always believed that consistent training is the foundation for performance at the highest level. Without addressing this, that consistency wouldn’t be possible.”
‘The story isn’t over’
And addressing her return, it’s clear she’s looking at the bigger picture, adding: “Is this how I envisioned this season? Definitely not. But I’m learning, again, that strength isn’t just measured in medals or splits.
“It’s measured in the decision to invest in the long game. In the choice to hit pause and heal. In the quiet belief that the story isn’t over, it’s just unfolding in a new way.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the support from my sponsors and family, your belief in me during moments like this means everything.”
All at TRI247 wish her well in her recovery and look forward to seeing her on the start line when the time is right.
How to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
