Katie Zaferes, a prominent figure in triathlon, experienced a bittersweet conclusion to her professional career at the Supertri event in Toulouse.
Rather than finishing on her own terms, she found herself eliminated just before the final lap of the race, a scenario she wouldn’t have scripted for herself. However, she expressed no regrets following the event.
Zaferes, the 2019 World Champion and a key player in Super League, began the race competitively. In the unique format of three mini triathlons, she secured fifth place during the first bike segment. Unfortunately, she struggled to maintain her pace as Georgia Taylor-Brown clinched her third consecutive victory.
Zaferes faced the threat of elimination if she fell more than 90 seconds behind the leaders. As she entered the final two-lap run, the gap grew to 78 seconds, but it soon widened beyond the critical limit, leading Head Referee Michael Thompson to signal her elimination.
This marked the end of a significant chapter for Zaferes, who also earned an Olympic bronze medal in the individual event at the Tokyo 2021 Games, alongside a silver in the Mixed Relay. After a hiatus from competition following the birth of her son Kimble in 2022, she returned to the sport she loves.
Reflecting on her career after the race, Zaferes 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.”
Regarding her performance, 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.”
Zaferes’ legacy in the sport is profound, and her departure from professional competition signifies not just the end of her racing career but also a celebration of her contributions to triathlon.
