Everything Katie Zaferes does qualifies as classy, and the major career announcement she made on Monday may have even raised things another level.
The 35-year-old US Olympian revealed the difficult decision that she is about to retire from the sport after 11 years competing at the highest level. Her glittering career in elite swim/bike/run is now coming to an end.
Zaferes, who was World Champion in 2019 and then claimed a bronze medal in the individual race at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics along with a Mixed Relay silver, says this Sunday’s supertri Toulouse race will be her last in elite triathlon.
Katie returned to triathlon in 2023 after the birth of her first child Kimble in a bid to make the US team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. She fell agonisingly short in that aim as Taylor Spivey and Kirsten Kasper got the nod to join Taylor Knibb in France.
Zaferes had actually finished ahead of both Spivey and Kasper at WTCS Cagliari after earlier missing out on a spot for that key showdown in Yokohama. But, as ever, there were no complaints about the decision. Instead, her response was instead one of support for her team-mates and gratitude for the journey.
And so, a few short months after that crushing disappointment, Katie used a quote from inspirational author Alan Cohen to sum up the decision she was announcing on Monday.
Katie Zaferes on retirement
Writing on her social media channels, she began: “It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.-Alan Cohen
“This is a quote that I have loved for a while, but only recently has become one that is resonating in a personal way again.”
Zaferes went on to say that the way she feels now is different to when the last Olympics cycle had ended in Japan in 2021. The desire is no longer complete, no longer all-consuming.
“After Tokyo I felt like there was more in me as a professional athlete. After these past two years, I’ve now realized I’ve given it my all at this level in my personal endeavor and @supertri_ Toulouse on Sunday will be my final race.
“I’m finding that my heart isn’t in it like it needs to be. There’s a part of me that still wants to love it and wants to want it. However, the most telling part is that I’m ok with the fact that I don’t. Other things are starting to excite me more. While 11 years might seem short to some and long to others, for me it’s perfect.
“I’ve spent 11 life changing, fulfilling years racing and achieving so much more than I ever thought possible. More than that, I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many people on and off the course (including @tzaferes ♥️) that have made it super special and a home of sorts. The connections made, along with the experiences I’ve had, I’ll treasure forever.”
For now, the book is complete
Katie did appear to leave the door ajar just ever so slightly for a future change of heart as she ended her heartfelt message. But for now, the final chapter is very close to being complete.
“Never say never, but at this point we are nearing the final stop on this particular journey and I truly did enjoy the ride.”
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
