Search
shop

Sara Svensk heartbroken as hip injury causes St George KO

Swedish star forced to miss the showdown in Utah on May 7
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Swedish star Sara Svensk will miss the delayed 2021 IRONMAN World Championship in St George on May 7.

The 33-year-old revealed the news on Monday evening on Instagram, saying it broke her heart to have to miss out on the big dance in Utah next month.

Advertisement

Another blow for Sara

It is another devastating blow for Sara, after she underwent significant struggles in 2021. She spoke at length to TRI247 about her fight against COVID and then heart problems before she returned to top form at the end of last year at IRONMAN Cozumel.

Svensk produced a fast winning time of 8:22:41 to top the podium on the same day Kristian Blummenfelt set the fastest ever time for the Ironman distance. Sara had earlier showcased her top-level ability by winning IRONMAN Barcelona in 8:34:10 in 2019.

Sara Svensk IRONMAN Cozumel 2021
Sara Svensk wins IRONMAN Cozumel in Mexico in November 2021.

Now though, the chance to test herself against the very best in St George is over, and she will now look to build towards the second IRONMAN World Championship of the year, in Kona in October.

Writing in an Instagram post, she revealed: “It breaks my heart to announce that I will not take part in Ironman World Championship St George.

Svensk on hip injury

“My lead-up to the race has almost been perfect except from a struggling hip. At first I was very confident I would be able not only to race but to race really good in St George.

“Although, after my latest consult with my doctors it became obvious that racing a full Ironman in two weeks will be a risk so my team and I took the hard decision to withdraw. Even if St George is an important race I’m not in a position to take any risks for the future.”

Svensk now will turn her attention to what was always her biggest goal of 2022 – conquering the ‘Big Island’.

“My main goal of the season, Kona, remains and till then I’m going to announce another big race as a replacement for St George.”

Sara is the latest star to be forced to pull out of the huge showdown at St George:

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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...