Search
shop

‘I’ve had so much fun’: Non Stanford lets ‘retirement’ sink in

A wedding and a busy new job means Non Stanford has plenty to keep her occupied after retiring from competitive action
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Non Stanford admitted it may take a few weeks for her retirement to sink in after bowing out of competitive action at Super League’s Grand Finale in Neom.

We’d caught up with her beforehand for an in-depth interview charting the highs – and some lows – of her incredible career.

But how did the reality of knowing she’d finished her last race feel?

“I’m still sort of in this weird limbo where it doesn’t feel real and I think maybe it’s going to really sink in over the next few weeks. When I think about it, I get quite emotional.

“It’s just going to be really weird to go to events in the future and not be the one lining up. Because that’s all I’ve known and it’s been my whole life. But I feel very fortunate for the career that I have had.

“I’ve had some amazing opportunities so I just have to look back on that and be happy with what I have done – and I think it is the right time.”

Advertisement

Medal haul

Non Stanford Neom 2022 photo credit Darren Wheeler That Cameraman SLT
[Photo credit: Darren Wheeler That Cameraman / SLT]

Despite minimal run training in the previous five weeks, Stanford still managed to complete the brutal Enduro in 12th position: “It was a shock to the system but I actually ran a lot better than I expected to.”

Highlights in 2022 included her European Championship gold in Munich and a Mixed Relay silver medal with Wales at the Commonwealth Games.

“I couldn’t ask for a better year and a better way to go out and I feel very fortunate that I’m going out on my terms.

“I’ve had so much fun and that’s why you get into sport, isn’t it? That’s why I started it in the first place. I feel really privileged to sort of have it in my control and do it my way.

“We’re such a close-knit group of women, especially the British girls and some of them are lifelong friends.

“I think Super League really brings everybody together, and I think everyone loves it. So hopefully it continues for a long time because it just gives young athletes the chance of a good start to their career by exposing them to that level of racing – and an opportunity to have fun outside more serious racing.”

Stanford will soon have her wedding – and a honeymoon that includes a trek to Machu Picchu – to celebrate, but first it’s back to her new coaching role with British Triathlon.

“I started work about three weeks ago, so these last few weeks have been really full on for me. I’ve been trying to train, learning the ropes of a new job and getting comfortable with that. I’ve never really worked properly my whole life!”

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
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
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!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
Alistair Brownlee Nathan Edmondson Oxenhope Straw Race 2025
Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee dons Trump costume and downs pints in fundraising Oxenhope Straw Race
Sam Laidlow joy Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth hero Sam Laidlow thought he was in front for HOURS before taking lead
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 men’s results: INCREDIBLE comeback win for Sam Laidlow
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...