Search
shop

‘I don’t think it’s an honest swim’ – Gwen Jorgensen speaks out on Hamburg ‘chaos’

American star had to battle hard in all three disciplines to book her place in the finals at WTCS Hamburg.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

There were some strong words from 2016 Olympic gold medallist Gwen Jorgensen after she booked her place in Saturday’s finals of the Super Sprint World Championships at WTCS Hamburg.

The American has been on the comeback trail after seven years out of the sport and she grabbed her second chance to qualify in some style by making the top five in her repechage heat.

But she needed her trademark run speed to cut through the field and make up a 20-seconds deficit in not much more than 1.5km.

Jorgensen speaks out on swim

And speaking to World Triathlon straight afterwards she described the swim as “chaos”, explaining: “The ranking I have – just being far left – it’s just really hard to get out in that swim.

“It’s an interesting course when you go through that tunnel and there’s nobody’s watching so there’s just chaos – people are pulling you under and not being fair in my opinion.

“I don’t think it’s an honest swim and it makes it really hard.”

The swim tunnel at WTCS Hamburg 2023 photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
[Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon]

But Jorgensen battled back superbly and from that point onwards she was happy with how her race panned out.

She added: “I felt like I biked a lot better, tactically and technically. We had some people working in my group so I think we kept it pretty close, close enough to get through.”

She flew out of T2 and onto the run, quickly bridging up to the lead group but admits she’s learning all the time about the Super Sprint format which this weekend features a 300m swim, a 7.5km bike and a 1.6km run.

“I didn’t know that I could reel them in [on the run] but I need to make some improvements going forward. I know I’m seasoned but I’ve never done this race format and have been out of the sport for seven years and every time I race I learn something new.”

On the right track

When announcing her return to the sport, Jorgensen said one big aim is making the Mixed Relay team for Paris 2024.

And she clearly feels strong progress is being made, adding: “It’s going to take a while for me to get back to where I was but I think I’m so close to being there.”

But the strength in depth of the USA has also been underlined with their full contingent of women through to finals day on Saturday, with Jorgensen joined by Taylor Spivey, Kirsten Kasper, Katie Zaferes and Summer Rappaport.

Gwen Jorgensen Hamburg qualifiers 2023
Gwen Jorgensen made it through [Photo credit: World Triathlon]

The final will see 30 women line up, with 10 eliminated in each of the first two stages before we get down to the final shootout and it will be fascinating to see how Jorgensen fares.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Sam Laidlow joy Challenge Roth win 2025
Sam Laidlow looking to validate IRONMAN World Championship slot in Leeds
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Hayden Wilde’s comeback moving closer – and why he’s inspired by Clarkson’s Farm
Paris 2024 Women's Triathlon podium - Cassandre Beaugrand, Julie Derron, Beth Potter
GOLDEN opportunity for the sport as first medals of LA2028 will be women’s triathlon
Gordon Ramsay 703 Luxembourg 2025
‘I’M BACK and Cooking!’ – Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay celebrates triathlon return
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
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...