Search
shop

Running on empty: Jess Learmonth can’t wait to enjoy 2021 success

Jess Learmonth admits that she is feeling the fatigue heading into WTCS Abu Dhabi after a year of full-on competition and amazing achievement.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
ALL ABOUT THE ATHLETE

At some stage Jess Learmonth will be able to sit back and bask in the glory of her incredible achievements in 2021 – just not yet.

The 33-year-old was part of that Great Britain Mixed Relay team which produced an epic performance to claim Olympic Games gold in Tokyo in the summer.

The Leeds-based triathlete then followed up with sizzling performances in Super League Triathlon, romping to victories in London, Munich and Jersey before being pipped to the overall championship in Malibu by her great friend, training partner and GB team-mate Georgia Taylor-Brown.

Jessica Learmonth
Advertisement

2021 so backwards – Learmonth

As yet though Learmonth has not been able to really savour her achievements and reflect on what they really mean – the COVID pandemic and the concertina impact it had on the triathlon calendar made sure of that.

She told Super League Triathlon: “It’s so strange because people say ‘you’re an Olympic gold medallist, how does it feel?’ I can’t explain it, because I’ve not stopped and have gone from one thing to another, travelling and then coming back and we are still training when it’s chucking it down. The year is so backwards.”

On Friday Learmonth (and Taylor-Brown) will go again as they race at WTCS Abu Dhabi. Jess admits she has no massive expectations when it comes to her performance.

Abu Dhabi up next

“Training with G (Taylor-Brown) you can tell we are struggling. I know my race at the weekend in Abu Dhabi will go one way or the other. I will either do alright or be absolutely shocking because my training has been all over the place, but it’s more mental fatigue that is hitting me than anything.

“Every year we need a break but because we didn’t race much over COVID and then went from that into the Olympics it made it harder. The Olympic postponement didn’t really change things, it just prolonged everything.”

Looking forward to a break

While right now Learmonth may be feeling the fatigue from her stellar exertions in recent months, she does look forward to the day she can shut it down for 2021 and finally enjoy her success with family and friends.

“Mentally it will be so nice to wake up and do nothing and reflect on things and take it all in. At the minute it feels surreal and it doesn’t feel like it’s happened.

“It will be nice to see family and chill out and let it sink in ready for another year otherwise I will combust.”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Abbie Brind IRONMAN Zell am See
From total beginner to half Ironman finisher – Top tips for taking on your first half distance triathlon
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Road cyclist
Road cycling gear guide for beginners – Essential cycling clothing and accessories to get started
latest News
Lionel Sanders bike 703 Worlds 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders suffered fractured hip in bike crash which ended his season
Blenheim Triathlon - perfect for begniner triathletes
British triathlon at UNESCO World Heritage site announces two new events
Georgia Taylor Brown Santa Vall gravel race 2025 photo credit Santa Vall and Gravel Earth Series
British Olympic triathlon star has “so much fun” on gravel biking debut and “wants to sign up for more”
Outlaw Triathlon 2010
“We’ve come a long way, but the ethos remains the same” – Outlaw Triathlon Race Director on 15 years of daring to do things differently
Geraint Thomas cyclist 2024 photo credit INEOS Grenadiers
British cycling legend and Tour de France winner plans IRONMAN triathlon after retirement
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...