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Rio round-up: Triathletes sum up their Olympic experiences

August 22, 2016
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Now that the Rio 2016 Olympics have come and gone, athletes are beginning to get back to reality. For most of the 55 men and women who competed in the Olympic triathlon, the season isn’t over and they’ll be getting back to work for remaining events on the calendar like the upcoming WTS Edmonton and ITU World Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.

From Jorgensen’s four-year journey to gold, to the Brownlees’ dominance to crushing moments out on the bike course, we’ve complied some of the athletes’ post-race reactions to their performances over social media.

The Brownlees on their impressive 1-2 finishes

After they found out that their main rival, Javier Gomez of Spain, wouldn’t be racing this year’s Olympics due to an injury, the Brownlee brothers made it very clear in pre-race interviews they would be taking the gold and silver medals… it was just a matter of in which order.

In a race they dominated from start to finish, Alistair and his brother Jonathan crossed the finish line first and second. They were obviously thrilled.

Gwen Jorgensen on her victory 

 

Sarah True on her heartbreaking DNF

American Sarah True was considered a medal contender in the women’s race and alongside Gwen Jorgensen and Katie Zaferes, capable of earning an American podium sweep.

True’s leg seized up on the first lap of the bike leg and while she struggled to stay on the course and ride through the pain, she was ultimately lapped and forced to DNF.

True is no stranger to the podium, with multiple WTS and world cup medals under her belt.

Amelie Kretz, Kirsten Sweetland and Sarah-Anne Brault on their Olympic debuts

Kretz, Sweetland and Brault placed 34th, 41st and 42rd respectively. The three were first-time Olympians.

Vicky Holland and Non Stanford on their back to back finishes

British teammates, roommates and best friends Vicky Holland and Non Stanford shared some heart-warming moments post-race after Holland ran away with the bronze medal in the women’s race and Stanford followed just after in fourth.

Henri Schoeman on his unexpected and historic bronze medal for South Africa

Andrew Yorke on his devastating crash and determination to finish

Yorke crashed on the bike but in an incredible display of strength and determination, got back on his bike, kept going and crossed the finish line in 42nd.

Tyler Mislawchuk on Olympic debut

Mislawchuk, who was the youngest man in the field and turned 22 the day after his race, wowed his Canadian fans with an impressive 15th place finish in his Olympic debut