Olympic triathlon champion Gwen Jorgensen has issued a last call for applications to her USA Triathlon supported scholarship fund – a scheme created to help young athletes access the sport.

The 39-year-old boasts a storied resumé, punctuated by that Rio 2016 performance where she recorded a stunning victory over Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig and Great Britain’s Vicky Holland.

The American star won a pair of ITU Triathlon World Championships prior to her crowning glory at the Olympics, and has 37 victories in 98 career starts per World Triathlon.

Breaking down barriers

The former Olympic Champion took to Instagram this week to promote a final call for applications to the Gwen Jorgensen Scholarship Fund, with the deadline set for August 1 (Friday).

“I still remember my first triathlon…It wasn’t about winning. It was about having fun with my friend Maggie, we waited for each other in transition, wore our mismatched swimsuits, and just figured it out together. That race sparked something in me.

“As a kid, I loved swimming. You could always find me in the pool at my grandma’s house, dreaming of doing it forever. Biking? Not so much. But my family rode often, and I joined because that’s just what we did.

“I didn’t grow up thinking triathlon would become my career, or that I’d one day win Olympic gold. And back then, scholarships like this didn’t exist. You either figured it out on your own or hoped someone helped you along the way.

“That’s why the Gwen Jorgensen Scholarship Fund means so much to me. In partnership with USA Triathlon, we created it to help young athletes access the sport, whether you’re trying your first race or chasing a national title.”

For those wishing to apply for the scheme, you can click here to access the application form.