Alistair Brownlee, a two-time Olympic triathlon champion, recently announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 36.
Being a World Champion in 2009 and 2011, the athlete was known for winning gold in the London Olympics in 2012, and later on defending his championship title in Rio after four years. Moreover, he was the only triathlete to win the junior world championship, U23 world championship, European championship, and Olympic championship.
Announcing his retirement, Brownlee admitted: “Triathlon has profoundly shaped my life. I have dedicated nearly half of it to being a professional athlete, fulfilling my childhood dream and achieving far more than I ever dared to imagine.”
He added: “I look forward to embracing a slightly slower pace of life, yet not too slow… There’s an exciting array of events, challenges and adventures awaiting me – things I’ve always wanted to have a crack at but haven’t had the chance to pursue.”
Antonio Arimany, president of the World Triathlon, praised Brownlee and said that his legacy will ‘live as long as the sport itself.’
Arimany stated: “Alistair’s contribution to the world of triathlon over more than two decades is immeasurable… He is a true icon of our sport and he will inspire generations to come of young triathletes from all around the world.”
Brownlee was unable to qualify for the 20221 Tokyo Olympics due to an ankle issue that required surgery. After this setback, he gave up Olympic distance racing to concentrate on Ironman competitions and long-distance triathlons.
Source: BBC