Search
shop

Gwen Jorgensen explains why she could not race at WTCS Yokohama

Gwen Jorgensen explains why she travelled to Japan even though it was a longshot she'd get a place at WTCS Yokohama.
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Gwen Jorgensen travelled to Japan this week in the hope of her racing at WTCS Yokohama – but all to no avail, though not for the want of trying.

The 2016 Olympic gold medallist and two-time World Champion has raced three times this year since returning to the sport after over six years out – and just months after the birth of her second child – as she continues her ambitious attempt to make it to Paris 2024. 

All those events –  third in an Oceania Triathlon Cup event in Taupo, 14th at the World Triathlon Cup New Plymouth and second to fellow Olympian Katie Zaferes at the Americas Triathlon Cup St. Peters Missouri – were over the sprint distance.

But she’s been keen to find an Olympic distance race – though that has been easier said than done, hence the trip to Japan.

Advertisement

Jorgensen explains situation

And she descibed the rationale – and what happened next – in an Instagram post, saying: “For those wondering why I couldn’t race even though I was in Yokohama here’s an explanation: I came to Japan knowing I was on a waitlist. 

“I don’t have enough points to get into races (points are accumulated over two years and you get more points at higher level races like WTCS and WC races). We made the decision to go all in and show up at this WTCS to see if I’d roll on from the waitlist. 

Gwen Joorgensen third place in Taupo comeback in 2023 photo credit Simon Dawson Photography
[Photo credit: Simon Dawson Photography]

“In order for that to happen I would have needed a person who was racing and had a start number to decide not to race last minute. It was a risk we were willing to take. 

“It’s hard to mentally prepare for the unknown of racing yet I’m happy we came. Big rewards only come from big risks and we made the best decision we could in the moment we were in. Leaving Japan full of good food and fond memories.”

Does Europe beckon for Gwen?

As she says, the place didn’t become available as a full field took part in a race that was won in dominant fashion by Britain’s Sophie Coldwell.

It will be interesting to see where Jorgensen heads next – she’s nominated the World Triathlon Cup Huatulco in Mexico in June (over the sprint distance) but could we also see her in Europe for the WTCS events there in a similar scenario to Yokohama?

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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

Share to...