Search
shop

Javier Gomez ‘not happy’ with Tokyo farewell

Spain star Javier Gomez was not happy with a disappointing 25th place in what could be his last ITU race in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Javier Gomez has expressed disappointment over his 25th-place finish at the Olympic Games Triathlon, in what he says could be his “last ITU race”.

The 38-year-old returned to Olympic action after missing out on Rio 2016, but was unable to replicate his performance in London nine years ago, which saw him pick up a silver medal.

Still in contention at the top end of the field midway through the bike leg, the Spaniard faded over the closing stages of the race.

Advertisement

My body didn’t respond – Gomez

Gomez started the run just over 20 seconds adrift from the leaders but crossed the finishing line some 2:42 behind gold medal winner Kristian Blummenfelt.

“Thanks for all of your messages and support,” he posted on Instagram. “As you can imagine, I’m not happy at all with my result at the Tokyo Olympics today.”

The five-time ITU World Champion refused to make excuses for what was a lowly finish by his high standards, in what was surely his last appearance at an Olympic Games.

“After all the hard training and preparations, the body just didn’t respond today,” he admitted. “It wasn’t the heat (it wasn’t that hot after all) I just felt flat, I had nothing to give, but I’m not going to bore you with reasons and justifications.

“In elite sport, results are what matter and today I wasn’t good enough. I would have liked to do better in what it probably was my last ITU race, but that’s life!”

Javier Gomez

Mola classy in defeat

Like Gomez, team-mate Mario Mola insisted that his 10th-place finish in the men’s event was below the level he sets for himself.

“We prepared as good as we could and did our best to stay in contention,” the 31-year-old wrote on social media.

“Even though it wasn’t the result had dreamt of, we can only congratulate those who were better and to be satisfied to have fought until the end.”

Mario Mola
Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
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
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
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

Share to...