A Champion Returns for Another Olympics?

Good morning everyone!

Today's edition features a Redneck Triathlon (oh yes), a race recap from Ironman 70.3 New Zealand, and will a legend of the sport be returning?

Thank you for being here.

-Matt Sharpe, Canadian Olympic triathlete, current long course racer, and now, a newsletter writer.

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ONE BIG THING

Gwen Jorgensen to Return to Triathlon?

What is it: Rumours are swirling that the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist, Gwen Jorgensen (USA), will return to Triathlon in the hopes of competing for Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games.

• She will hope to contest the Individual and and Mixed Relay events in Paris.

Why it matters: Gwen's return to the sport would surely bring a buzz and generate interest in the leadup to the Paris Olympics.

• Gwen will continue to inspire by competing at the highest level of sport, while also being a mother to two children. 

Matt's take: Having Gwen back in the game will no doubt set a positive example for other athletes who want to compete on the world stage, but also want to be world-class parents.

• The sport has grown ever more competitive since Gwen won gold, but with her name on the start line, it could bring even more intrigue and excitement to race day. 

NEWS

👏 Big debut: Sika Henry, the first African-American professional triathlete took the win at her first Ultramarathon, the Dismal Swamp 100k. In the process, her outstanding effort netted her a new Virginia state record for running 100km. [Women's Running]

🦘 Straya stars: Over the weekend Miranda Carfrae and Craig Alexander were inducted into the Triathlon Australia hall of fame. Alexander and Carfrae were both 3x Ironman World Champions. [Triathlon Australia]

🌲 Nome where to go: Bad news for folks who were hoping to compete at the next Ironman Alaska, as Ironman has decided to cancel the event. Accommodation issues made the event a logistical headache and could not be resolved to justify its continuation. [Triathlon Magazine Canada]

🔮 Future findings: Industry watchers will be keen to observe the findings of USA Triathlon’s “State of the Sport” survey, which will be discussed on January 25th at the Endurance Exchange conference. Key trends and metrics will be revealed, which should be impactful for all triathlon stakeholders. [Endurance Sportswire]

RACE RECAP

Moody Mastery, Bergsten Bashes at Ironman 70.3 New Zealand

Women's Race

What happened: 

🏊:  Rebecca Clarke (NZL) used her swim prowess to lead the swim with Chloe Hartnett (AUS). They opened up 55 second gap on kiwi Dr. Hannah Berry (née Wells).

🚴: By the halfway point of the bike, Berry was able to bridge the gap on the bike. After which she rode with Clarke till T2 and built a 14 second lead on Hartnett and 1:40 on Anna Bergsten (SWE).

🏃: Early on the run it appeared as though Wells was on her way to another Taupo win. However, Bergsten was not going to let a bike gap stop her as she rolled her way past Berry by the halfway mark on the run. 

• Bergstrom would go on to claim the Ironman 70.3 New Zealand crown in a time of 4:21:09.

• Watch: Bergsten runs past Berry and takes the win at Ironman 70.3 New Zealand. 

Ironman 70.3 New Zealand women's podium:

• 1st - Anna Bergsten (SWE)

• 2nd - Dr. Hannah Berry (née Wells, NZL)

• 3rd - Rebecca Clarke (NZL)

Matt's take: What was thought to be an all-kiwi battle turned out to be a Swedish spoiler. It appears as though Bergstrom has recently turned pro, and was certainly ready for the jump. Her run was very solid. It will be interesting to follow her as she continues to build on her budding pro career.

Men's Race

What happened:

🏊: Benjamin Zorgnotti (FPY) and Sam Osbourne (NZL) led the swim with Jack Moody (NZL) lurking after exiting only 48 seconds down from the lead two. 

🚴: Moody wasted no time jumping into the lead on the bike by the halfway mark.

• By the end of the ride, Moody had pushed his lead to almost four-minute over the next athlete, Mike Phillips (NZL).

🏃: As the class runner of the field, Moody would extend his lead throughout the run taking the win by over 7 minutes. 

Ironman 70.3 New Zealand men's podium:

• 1st - Jack Moody (NZL)

• 2nd - Mike Phillips (NZL)

• 3rd - Simon Cochrane (NZL)

Matt’s take: Moody was always going to be a dangerous commodity on the run. Unfortunately for the rest of the field, he had a solid gap before it even started. An impressive win for the kiwi as the New Zealand summer is just kicking off.

• Phillips used his cycling tour prowess to land himself on the podium.

FAVOURITES

🦿 Montana Running Lab: Rich Willy and the folks at the Montana Running Lab always produce insightful and evidence-based content on running. In their latest update, they posit that depth jumps are more effective for leg strength than the basic single-leg squat. 

🌴 TTL Indian Wells: Another banger video from Eric Lagerstrom and That Triathlon Life. This one highlights their successful trip to Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells where Paula Findlay was able to take the win. Beautiful visuals, and unique pro insight, enjoy! 

🐷 Redneck triathlon: Swim, bike, run? More like Belching, Singing, and Pigpen wrestling! If you're a fan of Stone Cold Steve Austin and early aughts WWE wrestling, then queue up this video, sit back, relax, and crack open a can of whoop-ass.   

GAME TIME

Who won the men's and women's 2022 Ironman Kona World Championship races? Reply with your response and name and we'll include it in the email.

Our previous quiz was asked who was Ironman 70.3 New Zealand race preview photo. The answer was Dr. Hannah Berry (née Wells) -  thanks to Rach and Jordan who both answered correctly!

And thanks to both of them for pointing out her correct title and acknowledging her recent name change. Feedback is always appreciated!

COMMUNITY CORNER

Coming off our lovely honeymoon with my wife, I was a bit rusty getting today's edition done. But, it wasn't going to write itself! I think writing is like training in that once you get into a rhythm it just gets easier and easier. Hope you all had a great weekend whether you were training or relaxing!

-Matt

Did you race this past weekend? Or are you starting up your training after a break? Send us photos or an update from your end, we'd love to feature it in a future newsletter. 

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