British triathlon star David McNamee announces his retirement and sport’s big names pay tribute

David McNamee, a two-time podium finisher at the IRONMAN World Championship, has announced his retirement from the sport and the T100 Triathlon World Tour Grand Finale in Dubai this weekend will be his last professional race.

And to underline the high regard in which he’s held by his peers, the great and the good of triathlon have been quick to praise his accomplishments and wish him well in the future.

What a journey

Writing on Instagram, the 36-year-old Scot said: “Retirement Time 🕰️

“The journey and the people I’ve met have meant more to me than any race result.

“Thank you to everyone who have made the last 20 years so special.

“Triathlon has allowed me to have experiences I could never have dreamt about growing up.

“However even wonderful things have to come to an end. Physically and mentally I know that this time for me is now.

“T100 Dubai will be my last race as a professional athlete.

“Looking forward to one final finish line 🍻”

Showing the way

McNamee was third at the IRONMAN World Championship in both 2017 and 2018, the only British man to make the podium at long-distance racing’s most celebrated event.

He finished 13th at Kona last month in 7:57:48, one of a record 16 men to break the eight hours mark and his quickest time on the Big Island.

He’s currently in the top 25 in the world rankings and other highlights this season include a runner-up spot at IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz and a fourth place at T100 Singapore.

David McNamee took second at Vitoria-Gasteiz [Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images for IRONMAN]

But to underline his sentiment about the “journey and the people I’ve met” meaning more than any race result, his fellow pros were united in showcasing the qualities he’s exhibited during that career.

Patrick Lange, who won the IRONMAN World Championship for a third time a couple of weeks ago, posted: “David. It’s been the greatest of pleasures to twice share the biggest podium in the world with you. 🔥 congrats on all your achievements and all the best for the future.”

Short-course great Vincent Luis, who is in the process of making a permanent move up in distance, said: “Thank you Dave for all the moments shared together. Always straight to the point when I had questions, even if I still cannot understand half of what you’re saying 🤣 see you in Dubai!”

Massive respect

Marten Van Riel is another Olympian who has made a brilliant switch up to middle distance and is in pole position to become the first ever men’s T100 World Champion in Dubai as well as the current world number one. He added: “A great man on and off the course 👊 Looking forward to race one more time in Dubai mate 🔥🤝.”

That was echoed by Jelle Geens, who just got the better of fellow Belgian Van Riel last time out at T100 Lake Las Vegas: “Congrats on an amazing career amigo! It’s been a pleasure training with you and having your guidance these last couple of years! I’m sure we’ll see each other again very soon!”

And it’s not just McNamee’s fellow athletes who have been fulsome in their praise. Coaching great Dan Lorang, who has also looked after the likes of Jan Frodeno and Anne Haug as well as Lucy Charles-Barclay and Taylor Knibb, posted: “Hey David, nice journey you did! It was also a pleasure to work with you some years ago for two Kona podiums. Enjoy the last race as much as possible and all the best for the next part of your life!”

As well as his on-course exploits, McNamee has also been one of the sport’s most articulate and respected voices off it and currently serves on the Professional Triathletes’ Organisation’s Athlete Board.