Search
shop

Morgan Pearson ’embarrassed’ after Tokyo woe

American star Morgan Pearson was "embarrassed" after the devastating disappointment of finishing 42nd in the Olympic triathlon in Tokyo.
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Morgan Pearson said he felt “embarrassed” following a devastating disappointment in the Olympic Games Triathlon, which saw him finish a disappointing 42nd in Tokyo on Monday.

The 27-year-old American has been one of triathlon’s burgeoning talents in the lead-up to the Games, but he endured a torrid race in brutal conditions in the Japanese capital.

As well as “feeling awful the entire day”, Pearson picked up a 15-second time penalty for equipment being outside the box in T1.

Advertisement

High hopes

BBC commentator and former Great Britain triathlete Annie Emmerson had tipped Pearson to finish at “the pointy end” of the field before the race, while Laura Siddall fancied him to claim a medal.

But Morgan never recovered from his early setback and struggled for pace over the last two legs. He would finish the day more than seven minutes back from race winner Kristian Blummenfelt.

“Rough day for me,” he wrote on Instagram. “Was feeling awful the entire race – but that is sport and I refuse to make any excuses.”

What’s more agonising for the 2019 ITU Triathlon World Cup silver medalist is that he had actually beaten Alex Yee – who picked up silver in Tokyo – over Olympic distance in Yokohama in May, coming home in third on that occasion.

Morgan on to Mixed Relay

Pearson also finished second in Leeds this year, but his hopes of a medal at the Olympics now rest on the Mixed Relay Triathlon event.

He will team up with Kevin McDowell and two of Taylor Knibb, Summer Rappaport and Katie Zaferes for Saturday’s eagerly-awaited inaugural running of the new format at Odaiba Marine Park.

“I am very sad right now and feeling a bit embarrassed,” Pearson admitted. “We still have the relay next weekend, so I’m going to do my best to put today behind me and to prepare for the relay.”

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
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
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!)
latest News
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
Alistair Brownlee - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
Olympic triathlon legend Alistair Brownlee completes iconic Gralloch race in latest gravel test
Jeanne Lehair Beth Potter WTCS Yokohama 2025
From Olympic heartbreak to joy of first WTCS win as emotions flow for Jeanne Lehair
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...