British triathlon legend Laura Siddall called time on her professional career with a top 15 finish at Challenge Roth at the weekend.
The 44-year-old was a five-time Ironman-distance victor claiming IRONMAN Australia success in 2017, 2018 and 2019 in addition to IRONMAN New Zealand victory in 2018 and Challenge Madrid glory in 2017.
She recorded a career-best 10th place finish at the IRONMAN World Championships in 2022 – one of four top 15 finishes in Kona.
But Roth has been a constant throughout her career, a unique race that she embraced from her first visit – and which was reciprocated.
The Brit suffered a ‘slight brain bleed’ following an accident at IRONMAN Brazil in 2023 and has raced sparingly since that date, with the professional triathlon chapter of her life now brought to an end.
“A tough day to end on”
In her last outing at Challenge Family’s prestigious German race, Siddall finished in a time of 9:35:08 – over an hour behind eventual winner Laura Philipp who dominated the competition.
“It wasn’t the fairy tale ending I’d dreamt of,” Siddall posted on Instagram following the race,” and no that wasn’t a dream of winning – I know my limits. But it wasn’t even the day we’d trained for.
“But as someone said – I could enjoy the Roth experience a little longer than expected. No personal bests, no glory but sometimes just showing up and getting to the finish is the win.
“A tough day to end on. Of course I wanted more. But I made it to the stadium and the finish and an incredible welcome and send off by @challengeroth.”
Despite the self-confessed modest performance, Siddall boasted her pride at being able to compete on the day.
“After the last two years getting here was a win, and I’m proud of the training block we put in to get me in the best possible shape for the race. No, it didn’t show on the day which is bitter sweet – but I’m still proud of the work we did to get here.
“In someways I think it was perhaps my body and mind saying – that’s enough.”
Groundbreaking career
A plethora of triathlon stars commented on Siddall’s professional retirement following Challenge Roth.
Sunday’s winner and current IRONMAN World Champion Philipp said: “Congrats on everything you achieved and thanks for helping to evolve professional triathlon for us women.”
Former Kona victor Chelsea Sodaro commented: “Congrats on an amazing career!!!” while the GOAT of men’s long-distance triathlon Jan Frodeno said: “I hope you find peace knowing you gave it all – sometimes getting there is a personal best too. See you at the coffee shop.”
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