In a remarkable 12 months, Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen has made an impressive return to the upper echelons of short course triathlon, racking up seven World Triathlon Cup podiums in the process.

Last Saturday in Lievin, the American extended her podium streak with a fantastic third place finish, thus cementing her position on the start list for WTCS Yokohama.

Explaining the importance of securing her spot in Japan, the former world champion outlined her blueprint to achieve Olympic qualification and represent Team USA in Paris this summer.

“I felt like I needed some hard competition before Yokohama”

After starting her season at the Americas Triathlon Cup in La Habana, which she won, Jorgensen was one of a number of athletes impacted by the cancellation of WTCS Abu Dhabi.

Wanting to test herself against some top level competition before the crux of the season, the Wisconsinite said her decision to compete in Lievin was swayed by the strength in depth of the start list in France.

“I felt like I needed some really hard competition before Yokohama, so I could test myself against the best and this had I think one of the best World Cup fields that I have seen.” 

All eyes on Yokohama

Now sitting at World #23 as the fifth ranked American, Jorgensen is assured a spot in Yokohama, which will be her sole focus over the next month or so of training.

“Up next for me will be Yokohama in May and that’s a big one. If you get top three there and first American then you can qualify for the Olympics.

“That’s what I will be focusing on over the next month and I am super excited to go there and race more of the best in the world.”