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

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.

“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.