British Olympics triathlon star wins European title to top incredible return to action after becoming a mum

What a day it was for Vicky Holland as she topped her return to elite triathlon competition by claiming victory in the Europe Triathlon Championships in Vichy, France.

The 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist returned to the sport late in the 2023 season following the birth of her first child, determined to once again cut it at the very highest level. Saturday in France proved she had beyond any doubt.

Vicky, now 38, was in close attendance at the front of the race coming out of the water, and then part of the lead pack on the bike leg. But it was on the run that she showed real guts and fight, refusing to give in when she fell almost 15 seconds back at one point. She would bridge that gap to come home in front of Leonie Periault of France and Alice Betto of Italy.

It was a very special day for Vicky, with her decision to return to elite competition vindicated, and all the hard work worthwhile.

Vicky Holland on European title

Writing on her Instagram account, Vicky admitted: “I can’t lie, I’m so so proud of this one. Not only to win a championship title as a 38year old mum, but to win it in the way that I did, knowing everything that I’ve put into this AND having @rhyso_davey there too? Well I couldn’t have asked for much more.

“4th out of the swim, a 6-girl breakaway for the 40km bike, and a solid run closing down a deficit that blew out to nearly 15s at one point, to make it back to the front of the race. @leonieperio you really made me work for that! We didn’t get the sprint finish the race deserved but thankyou for bringing out the best in me! My run legs have definitely felt better at points this season but as an all round performance, that’s the best I’ve raced in a long long time.”

Vicky Holland claimed a brilliant victory in Vichy [Photo credit: World Triathlon / Wagner Araujo]

With Betto claiming the bronze medal, it meant two mums on the podium – a fact Vicky was quick to reference.

“Two mums on the podium is pretty special too – congratulations @alice.betto.triatleta – hopefully we are part of a growing number of women showing what can be done if you want to. It takes a huge amount of support (massive shout out to the support crew… you know who you are!) but days like yesterday show what’s possible for sportswomen worried about choosing between their career and having children – whether you’re professional or not.”

Making this victory even more special is the fact Vicky is definitely retiring from the sport this season – but she does have one more race, and what a race.

“In case you missed it, I’m going to retire this year so I just have one more race to go in my near 20year triathlon career. Delighted that it will be at another championship race at the WTCS Grand Final next month. One more push!

“**edited to add a HUGE thanks to the massive @brittri AG team cheering me on every step of the way yesterday – you guys made such a difference 🙏❤️”

Europe Triathlon Championships Vichy Results

Saturday September 21, 2024 – Vichy, France

Elite Women

Pos NameCountryTimeSwim
1500mBike
39.9kmRun
9.9km1Vicky Holland GBR01:52:3600:19:3400:58:0700:33:022Leonie Periault FRA01:52:4500:19:3100:58:0800:33:133Alice Betto ITA01:53:0700:19:3400:58:1200:33:344Petra Kurikova CZE01:53:4100:20:0300:58:5000:32:545Claire Michel BEL01:53:4300:20:0600:58:4800:32:566Selina Klamt GER01:53:4800:19:3000:58:1700:34:147Jolien Vermeylen BEL01:54:1900:19:3200:58:1400:34:468Alissa Konig SUI01:54:3300:20:0800:58:5100:33:549Diana Isakova AIN01:54:5700:19:5100:58:5900:34:1210Jolanda Annen SUI01:55:1000:19:5200:59:0400:34:21