Search
shop

‘My cup is completely full’ says triathlon great Katie Zaferes after her last pro race

News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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.”

Katie Zaferes waves Toulouse 2024 photo credit supertri
Katie Zaferes bows out in Toulouse [Photo credit: supertri]
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
PremiumExpert 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
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
Matt Hauser Linn Jeffcoat Willian Australia win Mixed Relay WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 Mixed Relay World Championship: Hauser anchors Australia to glory
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 women’s results: Kat Matthews a class apart
Harry Palmer wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 men’s results: Britain’s Harry Palmer defends title in style
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...