Jorgensen gave the United States its first gold in triathlon Saturday since it became in Olympic sport in 2000.
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Four years ago, her Olympic dream turned into a nightmare as she crashed in the cycling section of the event and finished in 43rd place.
Fighting back over the last few kilometres, she took 11th place in 2:59:13, crossing the line two minutes, 57 seconds (2:57) behind American victor Gwen Jorgensen. But we also know when it comes to the run, it is a race. “She was playing a bit of a game, I was playing a little bit. The first thing I said to her was “I’m so sorry”. The best attempt was made by Spirig, who gained a 30 meter edge on Lap 5 before the pack swallowed her back up.
Actually, it may have been that strategy that helped Jorgensen win gold.
“It was just some mental games. There was nothing that was going to stop her these last four years”, Lemieux said.
True attempted to get going again, but sadly the pain was too much and the day was done for the 2012 Olympic 4th place finisher and 4th place finisher at the 2015 Rio test event. “I know she’s an exceptional runner, so I had to try everything to get her out of the rhythm”.
Jorgensen’s quest combined her long-held Olympic ambition, the methodical mind of a certified public accountant, a multisport background at the University of Wisconsin and fearsome closing speed in the 10-kilometer run.
Picked up in US Triathlon’s collegiate recruitment program, Jorgensen’s ill-luck in London didn’t put her off, and instead she has gone on an incredible 13-race winning streak.
Jorgensen had controlled all that she could control.
“I did everything right”, Spirig said. Then the enormity of what she had done, an achievement four years in the making, hit.
Her goal within her grasp, Jorgensen lifted her sunglasses to her head and that look of dogged determination she’d had since London dissolved into a smile.
“I think it will raise awareness and create momentum for a sport with a very strong and avid group of fans and participants”, sports marketing expert David Abrutyn of Bruin Sports Capital said.
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She’s won back-to-back ITU world championships but cut back on her schedule this year so she could focus on the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
