Race Coverage

"It Doesn't Seem Real"...

Wednesday, 17 December 2014 00:10

By Gwen Jorgensen (gwenjorgensen.com - September 9, 2014)

World Champion. It all just doesn’t seem real. I feel like I am living in my own fantasy world and it’s awesome! I don’t know where to start to explain my journey and thoughts on winning the 2014 ITU Championship.   

Leading up to the Edmonton WTS Grand Final, I wasn’t my normal, driven self. I was still getting up every day and getting the work done, but since the Chicago WTS, my motivation wasn’t the same. I wanted to finish the season with a bang, but my bed was looking better and better every day. I had no excuse, as the weather was nice and my training was going well (besides a few really bad swimming sessions). But it had been a season full of long haul travel, emotions, work, and sweat and it was all catching up with me.

When we arrived in Edmonton, I was impressed with the atmosphere and promotion of the race. Everywhere I looked I saw signs for the triathlon: “This is going to be EPIC.” I loved it! However, ...

the more signs I saw, the more nervous I got. I put unneeded pressure and stress on myself. I wanted to not only become World Champion, but I also wanted to win the race. (The ITU World Champion is decided based on points earned throughout the season. I had an 800+ point lead going into the Final; however, the winner of the Final received 1200 points. In order for me to secure the World Championship title, I needed to finish in 16th place or better).

Race morning was very typical: a wake up jog, breakfast, a little rest and recovery, a swim in the pool, and ride to the race venue. And then, before I knew it, the gun sounded and the race started. The swim was rough for me. I was giving it everything I had, but I felt off. I was just off the back of the front group. I knew the rest of the day would be a lot easier if I could exit the water in the top five; however, physically I couldn’t do it. I exited the water in 17th. I felt heavy and slow. I was struggling to take deep breaths. I was nervous as I mounted my bike, but I could see the leaders in front of me. READ MORE