Search
shop

Katie Zaferes looks forward, not back – ‘I can see all the pieces are there’

American star went through the whole range of emotions at WTCS Hamburg.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

American star Katie Zaferes perfectly demonstrated – and then articulated – the fine margins of elite triathlon at WTCS Hamburg over the weekend.

The dominant world champion in 2019 and the winner of individual and relay medals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Zaferes has returned to the sport following the birth of her first child, Kimble.

And in the Super Sprint format in Hamburg she qualified for finals day with relative ease – and then smoothly made it through when 30 athletes were whittled down to 20.

She was right in the mix during the second stage of the final too, only for a costly moment going into T2 when she lost control of her bike.

Day of contrasts

Writing about the experience on her Instagram feed, she said: “I suppose something I love about triathlon is when all the pieces come together it feels like magic. However on the flip side when things don’t click it feels quite the opposite.

“For finals day I had both experiences. The first stage where I felt smooth and controlled throughout. To the second stage where it all felt more disjointed and erratic, magnified by me taking myself out coming into T2 which created a big deficit going out onto the run.

Katie Zaferes bike WTCS Hamburg finals 2023 photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
Katie Zaferes – bike mishap cost her dear [Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon]

“It’s easy to come up with things that went wrong and places I didn’t execute in Stage 2. And hard to acknowledge that I’m still working back towards being consistent in being able to have a good race no matter what. I know I will get there again.”

‘I can see all the pieces are there’

And that determination to return to the very top was underlined by her forward-looking response rather than spending too much time dwelling on what might have been.

She added: “There was a big contrast of feelings as I went from feeling where I need to be and then about 45 minutes later I felt so far off that. It’s funny how much can change in such a short time.

“My body is fine, mentally I’m a bit sad and frustrated. However, I’m nearing the end of my disappointed, woe is me time frame and I can see all the pieces are there so now I’m just working on putting them together again.

“Time to… head to the mountains to get in a solid block of training with JFT crew buddies.”

Next up race-wise for Zaferes is set to be WTCS Sunderland where she’s one of four American women on the current start list alongside 2016 Olympic champion Gwen Jorgensen, Gina Sereno and Erika Ackerlund.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
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
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Alex Yee wins Super tri Toronto 2025
Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee says “I’ve still got it” after roaring back to action with terrific Toronto win
Superstar Hayden Wilde reveals decision day for potential comeback at T100 London
Sam Laidlow wins IRONMAN Leeds 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Laidlow validates Nice spot in perfect style with another win
Paula Findlay wins IRONMAN Boise 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Boise results 2025: Findlay and Appleton the Idaho stars
Alex Yee wins Super tri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 men’s results: Stunning triathlon return from Olympic champ Alex Yee
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...