Olympic triathlon champion Gwen Jorgensen reveals airport breastmilk furore

Olympic triathlon champion Gwen Jorgensen endured more frustration on Sunday, highlighting the challenges facing mothers who return to elite sport.

The 2016 winner in Rio continued her triathlon return over the weekend as she competed in an epic showdown at WTCS Hamburg. After qualifying for Saturday’s final, she spoke out about the ‘chaos’ in the water – explaining: “I don’t think it’s an honest swim, and that makes it hard”.

Well, a little over 24 hours later the 37-year-old American star would be left to express her feelings in no uncertain terms once again – this time apparently at the alleged behaviour of airport officials as she tried to begin her return home to the United States.

Jorgensen says security initially did not want to allow her to go home with breastmilk in her possessions, and questioned why her baby was not travelling with her.

Jorgensen on airport furore

Gwen, writing on Instagram, said: “Airport security didn’t want to let my breastmilk through. I told them they had to. They asked me where my baby was, I held my cool.

“Am through with my breastmilk as is allowed! So looking forward to seeing my boys.”

The post was illustrated by a picture of Jorgensen’s baby son George – who turns nine months old later in July.

She then followed up with another post – this time alongside a picture of her during raceday action looking unimpressed. The post read: “Me when airport security calls the police about my breastmilk and pump and asks why I’m traveling without my baby”.

Jorgensen, who eventually finished 30th in Hamburg, is set to race next in the UK. She is currently on the startlist for WTCS Sunderland later this month.

Outside of that airport frustration, she relished Hamburg WTCS, saying afterwards: “What an experience. I raced three times over two days. Each race consisted of a 300m swim, 7km bike and 1.5km run. Fast, furious, and exposing of any weakness. Thanks for all the cheers Hamburg. The best crowds on the circuit.

“See you at WTCS Sunderland in two weeks.”