Search
shop

Vincent Luis will ‘keep fighting’ after falling short in Tokyo

Vincent Luis insisted he will keep fighting for titles after a disappointing 13th in the men's triathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Vincent Luis says he will continue fighting for titles after falling short in the race for medals in the Olympic Games Triathlon at Tokyo 2020.

The 32-year-old Frenchman was tipped by many as the favourite for gold in the Japanese capital, including five-time iron-distance champion Laura Siddall, but he struggled to find his typical rhythm on the run, fading to 13th position, 80 seconds behind race winner Kristian Blummenfelt at the finish.

Luis started excellently, leading the field out of the water after a typically rapid opening leg, but setting the pace on the bike with a leading group of 10, which included Jonathan Brownlee.

Vincent Luis

Despite their efforts, the cycling power behind – driven by the Norwegian trio of Blummenfelt, Iden and Stornes in particular – could not be held at bay, and eventually a very large lead pack formed, meaning that it would all be decided on the run.

In recent years, Vincent has produced dominant displays across all formats of short-course racing, but his performance at Odaiba Marine Park was well below his hopes, particularly given his domination of the 2020 season.

It wasn’t enough – Luis

There will be some question marks over whether Luis was at his physical peak in Tokyo given his disappointing result, although the 2019 and 2020 World Champion insisted he had given it his all.

“I did my best with what I had today,” he wrote on Instagram. “It was far from sufficient but I fought all the way to the finish line.”

“Sport is hard sometimes but I’ll keep fighting. Congrats to all the athletes and especially the 3 on the podium.”

Vincent Luis

Mixed Relay bid awaits

Luis’ attentions will now turn to the inaugural Mixed Relay event on Saturday, where he and his French teammates will once again be amongst the favourites.

Part of a gold medal-winning team at the ITU Mixed Relay World Championships in 2019, Luis will be joined by Cassandre Beaugrand, Leonie Periault and one of Dorian Coninx or Léo Bergere on a very strong team.

Luis will hope to rediscover his medal-winning form alongside his compatriots, but the likes of Great Britain and the United States will offer tough opposition.

ITU Mixed Relay Triathlon World Championships
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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
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
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
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.

100+ new articles/month

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

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/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

Share to...