Gwen Jorgensen runs to victory at ITU Stockholm

Kirsten Sweetland led two Canadian women into the top-20 at the World Triathlon Series stop in Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday.

Enjoying one of her strongest seasons on record, the 24-year-old Sweetland had another strong 1.5-kilometre swim, but fought through the 40-kilometre bike, and 10-kilometre run course to grab 20h spot with a time of one hour, 59 minutes, 23 seconds (1:59:23).

“I had a really good swim but then just struggled through the bike and run today,” said Sweetland. “I feel like today didn’t reflect where I am right now. Everyone has off days and today was mine.”

Sweetland has bounced back onto the international race scene after after battling injuries that have kept her on the sidelines for a big chunk of the last five years. The comeback kid is slowly climbing back up the international rankings following a bronze-medal finish at the Edmonton World Cup and a stellar sixth-place result on the toughest triathlon course in the world last month in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

“Today was just a blip in the road, but I am in good shape and looking to sharpen up in these few weeks leading to the Grand Final in London,” added Sweetland. “It’s time to get back to work and I’ll be looking for a top-10 in London.”

Another one of Canada’s young rising starts in the triathlon world, Calgary’s Ellen Pennock, punched the clock at 2:02:09 for 28th spot.

American Gwen Jorgensen reigned in the field on the run where she made up 40 seconds on the first lap of the run to take the lead and never look back. Jorgensen ran away from the pack for her third victory of the season after crossing the finish line with a time of 1:55:31.

Non Stanford, of Great Britain, finished 49 seconds off the pace in second at 1:56:20, while Germany’s Anne Haug rounded out the women’s podium in third place with a time of 1:56:45.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000 and Paralympic medal sport as of 2016, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Complete Results (1.5-kilometre swim, 40 kilometre bike, 10 kilometre run): 

Top-Five Women and Canadian Results:

1. Gwen Jorgensen, U.S.A., 1:55:31; 2. Non Stanford, GBR, 1:56:20; 3. Anne Haug, GER, 1:56:45; 4. Vicky Holland, GBR, 1:57:02; 5. Jodie Stimpson, GBR, 1:57:06.

Other Canadian Results:

20. Kirsten Sweetland, Victoria, 1:59:23; 28. Ellen Pennock, Calgary, 2:02:09