Eliminated ahead of the very final run lap of the race isn’t the script the great Katie Zaferes would have chosen for her final professional race – but there were no regrets at all from her after supertri Toulouse.
The 2019 World Champion – and also a dominant force at that time in what was Super League – the American was right in the mix early on in the French city.
How her last race played out
In what are three mini triathlons, Zaferes was fifth on the first bike section.
But she would drop off the pace and as Georgia Taylor-Brown roared to a third successive victory, Zaferes was in danger of being eliminated, which happens to anyone who falls 90 seconds back.
She was at 78 seconds starting the final two-lap run but the gap just went past the crucial mark and Head Referee Michael Thompson showed her the elimination flag.
It was the end of an era for the woman who also won a bronze medal in the individual race at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics along with a Mixed Relay silver before a break from the sport when she gave birth to her son Kimble in 2022.
Part of it from the beginning
And asked to sum up her feelings afterwards, she said: “Just grateful.
“Triathlon – and specifically being a professional triathlete and going after all these dreams with this community – it’s just shaped me a lot.
“I’m so thankful for so many different moments on and off the course.
“My cup is completely full right now.”
Referring to the finish, she added: “I wanted to make it further than I’ve made so far this season. I was a little upset that they didn’t let me finish my second lap!
“No, it was nice to just take it all in and this atmosphere in Toulouse is incredible and it’s the perfect send-off. I’m really glad I came to race and have been a part of this from virtually the very beginning.”
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