Search
shop

Olympic triathlon champion Gwen Jorgensen determined to ‘fight through the heartbreak’ after DNF agony

It was another miserable trip to Sardinia for the Rio 2016 gold medallist.
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

US Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen is determined to ‘fight through the heartbreak’ as she continues to juggle her return to international competition with the task of raising a family.

The 39-year-old US superstar, who claimed gold at Rio in 2016, had arrived at WTCS Alghero full of hope after an impressive fourth-placed finish in Yokohama last month – but her dreams were left shattered by a flat tyre.

Having returned to triathlon in 2023, after taking time out to have sons George and Stanley, Jorgensen admits life back on the road is proving to be heartbreakingly difficult as she spends extended periods of time away from her children. 

Failure to finish in Alghero represented the latest blow in a long run of bad luck for the two-time World Champion in Sardinia. A sequence that, despite all her troubles, she is keen to put right one day.

Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Tongyeong 2023 run
Gwen Jorgensen suffered DNF agony at WTCS Alghero [Photo credit: World Triathlon]
Advertisement

More misery in Sardinia

Writing on her Instagram account, she said: “Sardinia and I haven’t quite figured each other out yet. In 2023, I came to Sardinia (Cagliari) for my first WTCS since 2016. My family got COVID, George wasn’t sleeping, I got bitten by a dog, and I got lapped out. 

“In 2024, I was on the start list, until I wasn’t. And this year? A puncture ended my race before it really began. Right now, I’m sad. I feel deflated. I missed a week with my boys for a race I couldn’t finish. George asked me every day where I was, and that stings more than any result ever could.

“But if the roles were reversed, if my kids had the chance to go after something they worked hard for, I’d want them to take it. That’s why I showed up. Because we make decisions based on what we know, not what might happen.

“These moments test you. They hurt. But they also shape you. Sardinia, I hope I get another shot, because I like a challenge, and I believe in fighting through heartbreak.❤️‍🩹”

Next up Hamburg

Speaking on her YouTube VLOG last month, Gwen had spoken of her determination to once again feel the thrill of a podium finish, making it clear that even that fourth in Yokohama had not satisfied her thirst for more success.

She will be hoping for better luck when the World Triathlon Championship Series moves onto Hamburg, with the elite women due to compete on Saturday July 12. 

Last weekend’s race in Sardinia was won by Cassandre Beaugrand of France, with Italian Bianca Seregni in second and British athlete Olivia Mathias coming in third.

The victory was particularly sweet for Beaugrand, who had crashed out of Yokohama two weeks earlier, for the kind of comeback-style gold medal that Jorgensen is clearly still desperate for.

Matthew Reeder
Written by
Matthew Reeder
Matt Reeder is a seasoned journalist and editor with more than 30 years’ experience working for regional newspapers and websites, including a 12-year stint as Group Sports Editor of The Yorkshire Post
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Laura Madsen wins IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables 2024 photo credit IRONMAN
‘Underdog’ Laura Madsen dreaming of T100 glory after London comeback
Georgia Taylor-Brown London T100 post race
“I am just an amateur in this” Olympian Georgia Taylor-Brown reflects on learnings from London as she gets set to take to the French Riviera T100 start line
World of Triathlon LIVE
From first-time age-grouper to putting on a HUGE triathlon exhibition – meet the triathlon inspired exhibition professional behind World of Triathlon LIVE
Georgia Taylor Brown Paris Olympics 2024 medal
Georgia Taylor-Brown poised to go “all in” for gold at LA Olympics
Patrick Lange IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Men’s start list finalised
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...