Search
shop

Jan Frodeno officially a “Legend of Sport” after being awarded major honour in Germany

Jan Frodeno was recognised for his career in triathlon at the German Sports Awards.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Triathlon legend Jan Frodeno has been recognised for his incredible career and longevity in the sport of triathlon, having retired following the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.

The German, who memorably beat Olympic champion Kristian Blummenfelt at the PTO Tour US Open in Milwaukee at one of his final races, looks set to finish this season ranked PTO World #5 at 42 years of age.

Awarded the “Legend of Sport” honour at the recent German Sports Awards, Frodeno has been a servant of the sport for over two decades, and is retiring as one of the greatest to ever do it.

From “young gun” to legend

Recounting one of his first short-course races, Frodeno remarked on Instagram after the event that it feels like time has flown since he started out in the sport, with the journey since then bringing plentiful accolades, including an Olympic gold medal.

Jan Frodeno IRONMAN World Championship 2023 Nice finish line wave
Photo Credit: Donald Miralle for IRONMAN

“It feels like just the other day I was the young gun at my first World Cup in Mexico in 2003. Last night, 20 years later it was an honour to be recognised for a life dedicated to triathlon as a ‘Legend of Sport’ by the @deutschersportpresseball. Thanks for having us!”

Having spent 2022 on the sidelines, Frodeno battled back from numerous setbacks to set the triathlon world alight one last time in 2023. Along with his win at the PTO Tour US Open, Frodeno also took the tape on home turf at IRONMAN 70.3 Andorra.

Whilst he didn’t get his fairytale ending in Nice, Frodeno leaves the sport with an Olympic gold medal, five IRONMAN World titles and a legacy that will last for decades. Rightly recognised as a legend of the sport, Frodeno now leaves a big hole in long-course triathlon.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
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
Lovseth Perterer Sanchez IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
Rising Norwegian star underlines Kona claims and says that’s now the big goal
Vincent Luis San Francisco 49ers tri suit 2025
Short-course triathlon great Vincent Luis is OUT of T100 London
Marquardt Hogenhaug Foley IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
‘World Championship level’ – Marquardt says bike bar was raised at Lake Placid
Solveig Lovseth wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 women’s results: Løvseth shows she’s the real deal and next Norwegian superstar
Matthew Marquardt wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 men’s results: Marquardt wins as defending champ EXPLODES on the run
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...