Alistair Brownlee has ankle surgery
Two-time Olympic gold medalist hoping to return to racing before the end of the year
We’ve finally got some background on why British triathlon star Alistair Brownlee hasn’t been able to race over the last few months – the two-time Olympic gold medalist underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his ankle a few weeks, ago, he announced through social media today.
“I’ve been struggling with ankle pain for the last few months,” Brownlee wrote. “A few weeks ago I had surgery on m ankle to remove a bone spur … which had been causing lots of issues for the surrounding joints and muscles and keep me from running properly. It’s a big shame to miss out on upcoming races but its also a big relief that we’ve successfully removed something that has caused me so many issues.”
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee wins his Xterra debut
Brownlee had been entered in a number of Ironman events in May, June and July in hopes that he might earn a qualifying slot for the Ironman World Championship in Nice. If he could have got to that race healthy and in shape, he would have certainly been one of the pre-race favourites. His presence will be missed at the race – an excellent climber on the bike, the challenging course and lack of Hawaii heat and humidity would have been perfect for Brownlee. The Olympic star struggled to a 21st-place finish in Kona in 2019, but he’s won every other full-distance race he’s started, including Ironman Ireland and Ironman Western Australia in 2019 and Ironman Sweden last year.
Brownlee has struggled with injuries, though, and had to pull out of last year’s Ironman World Championship due to a stress fracture.
Brownlee is hoping to be able to return to racing before the end of the year.
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