The Star - Spangled Banner was represented by more than one on the podium on Sunday as the USA women swept yet another podium in the 2015 ITU World Triathlon London. Gwen Jorgensen continued her undefeated record as she took home the gold medal to claim her tenth-straight WTS title. She was joined by fellow compatriots Katie Zaferes and Sarah True who earned the silver and bronze.
The USA sweep marked the second time this season that these three women have dominated the WTS podium—first time being the Gold Coast in April.
“We have a little bit of an American steam roller action going on, but every federation has its flows. The British have been on top of the world and the Aussies, but right now it is a pretty exciting moment for the US,” said True.
Proving that she can tackle all three disciplines with ease, Jorgensen showcased a consistent performance in the swim and bike that positioned her among the leaders. Heading into the run, her signature breakaway move was executed halfway through the first lap that carried her well into the finish line to tally yet another first-place honour.
“It was a hard one and really tough but I was pleasantly surprised where I came out of the swim and thankfully everyone in our group was working together and USA 1-2-3, I am hoping they have three flags to fly today when they play the national anthem,” said Jorgensen.
The second-place finish for Zaferes came after she took a break from the circuit and missed Yokohama. But the break proved unfaltering as she has podiumed in every race competed in.
Zaferes said, “I am really happy with my consistency and you know I was on a roll and then I took a break so coming into this race I didn’t know what I could do but I am really happy I pulled it off again.”
London allowed for some chilly-weather conditions that added wetsuits to the uniform. Despite nearly missing the final buoy on the one-lap swim, Carolina Routier (ESP) was the top first athlete out of the water followed closely by all of the top US women including Zaferes, Groff and Jorgensen.
The group, along with Margit Vanek (HUN), Sophie Coldwell (GBR) and veteran Ainhoa Murua(ESP), managed to break away early on the first lap of the bike to earn a half minute gap over the chase that included nearly 30 women.
Although the chase contained talented cyclists like Andrea Hewitt (NZL) and Barbara Riveros (CHI), the large train of women couldn’t manage to chip away at the 30-second deficit. While Great Britain’s Vicky Holland hammered away in the chase, teammate Non Stanford, who won the World Championship title on this course two years ago, slipped into the second chase and couldn’t recover in time for a repeat podium performance.
Immediately after the second transition, the three US women capitalized on the short two-lap sprint to gain a steady lead that remained until the end. While Jorgensen pushed ahead to secure the gold, Zaferes and True ran side-by-side in a battle for who would take the next medal. Ultimately it was Zaferes who was able to push a tiny bit more energy in the end to take the second-podium position.
Closing a once substantial gap, Holland and Aileen Reed (IRL) threw out a phenomenal run and were able to finish at fourth and fifth respectably.
