Katie Zaferes announces retirement: ‘For me, it’s perfect’

2024 seems to be the year in which one top athlete after another announces his or her retirement: after Daniela Ryf and Javier Gómez Noya before her, Katie Zaferes now announces she is retiring. This coming weekend she will compete one more time at Supertri Toulouse and then she will retire afterwards.

The American athlete is considered one of the most successful Short Distance athletes of her generation and, among other things, became world champion, won several WTCS races and took bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. Especially the year leading up to the Olympics in Tokyo, she seemed almost unbeatable.

“After Tokyo I felt like there was more in me as a professional athlete. After these past two years, I’ve now realized I’ve given it my all at this level in my personal endeavor and Supertri Toulouse on Sunday will be my final race.

“I’m finding that my heart isn’t in it like it needs to be. There’s a part of me that still wants to love it and wants to want it. However, the most telling part is that I’m ok with the fact that I don’t. Other things are starting to excite me more. While 11 years might seem short to some and long to others, for me it’s perfect.

“I’ve spent 11 life changing, fulfilling years racing and achieving so much more than I ever thought possible. More than that, I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many people on and off the course – including Tommy Zaferes – that have made it super special and a home of sorts. The connections made, along with the experiences I’ve had, I’ll treasure forever.”