You might think Gwen Jorgensen would be satisfied with sixth place at Weihai just weeks out from a broken collarbone, but that is just not Gwen Jorgensen.
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games triathlon champion has been looking to get right back to the very top end of short-course racing since making a comeback to the sport in 2023. And that is still her clearly defined goal.
The 38-year-old US superstar agonisingly missed out on a spot on the team for the Paris 2024 Games, as Taylor Spivey and Kirsten Kasper claimed discretionary spots to join Taylor Knibb in France.
Collarbone misery
To add injury to insult, Jorgensen then broke her collarbone in late July in a bike crash during a criterium race in Colorado. She immediately underwent surgery, and just eight weeks later lined up at WTCS Weihai last Friday to make her comeback.
Gwen was just 12 seconds off the pace exiting the water in China, and was then able to hang with a big front pack on a brutal bike course which challenged even the best of cyclists. Exiting T2 she appeared to be in position to fight for a podium.
The run is normally Jorgensen’s trump card, but while she did make up late ground she eventually would come home in sixth position. Given her build-up, you might be forgiven for believing she would be delighted. Not quite.
Jorgensen on WTCS Weihai 2024
Writing in a post on her Instagram account, she revealed: “8 weeks ago when I broke my collarbone I didn’t think I would make the start line so you’d think I would be happy with my highest WTCS finish since returning to triathlon but I’m not.
“Top American, top 10 are things that do not bring me excitement. Medals are what I’m after and what I’ll continue to work for. Proud of many things from the race but not even close to satisfied. Up next is WTCS Torremolinos-Andalucia grand final.
“Massive thank you to my team and partners who support me and helped me get to this start line with a healthy body and mind.”
That bid for medals in the Grand Final is now just over a couple of weeks away, with the big showdown set for Spain on Saturday October 19.
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