Double Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee announces retirement

With over 15 years of racing at the top of the sport under his belt, Alistair Brownlee this morning announced he will be retiring from professional triathlon.

Breaking the news on his Instagram account, Brownlee started the post with the words: “It’s time to close this chapter… This marks my transition from professional triathlon, a moment approached with both dread and excitement in equal measure.”

The two-time Olympic gold medallist from London 2012 and Rio 2016, will hang up his tri-suit as arguably the greatest Olympic triathlete of all-time.

In addition to being the only person ever to successfully defend an Olympic triathlon title, he became a two-time individual short course world champion in 2009 and 2011, a four-time European champion, and a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, but will be remembered as much for his attacking style on the bike and run as he will be for results.

The 36-year-old was also central to many of triathlon’s most memorable moments, such as the halcyon scenes of London 2012 in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators packing Hyde Park. Or arm-in-arm supporting wilting younger brother Jonny across the line in Cozumel in 2016 — a show of sportsmanship that made global headlines and transcended the triathlon world.

In reality, his finest years were spent racing with Jonny, where the pair captured the hearts and inspired a nation of triathletes though gritty determination, dedication to racing and a good sprinkling of down-to-earth Northern humour. You can read Alistair’s full biography in our article here.

Shaped by triathlon

Brownlee’s post continues: “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.”

“Why now? It feels right. I am happy and content, eager for what lies ahead. I find myself smiling because it happened, rather than crying because it’s over (to paraphrase Dr. Seuss).”

There are hints as to what comes next for the Olympian, but relaxation is to come first (and well-deserved!):

“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. For me, sport has always been a personal journey of exploration, and I’m excited to try some new challenges. Feel free to make suggestions below.”

Thanks and next steps

“First, I have many wonderful people to thank and some well-deserved relaxation to embrace.”

“In the coming months, I’ll share more about my career and the incredible individuals who have been part of my journey, along with the new and exciting challenges and projects I’m eager to tackle.”

“I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your contributions, no matter how small you may believe they are. Your support means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Three-time Ironman world champion and 2008 Olympic gold medal winner, Jan Frodeno, put on social media: “What a career. What a champion. You changed the game.”

Here at 220 Triathlon the whole team wish Ali well. We’ve enjoyed talking to him about his training and racing over the years, including in the cover feature from our last issue and can’t wait to see what comes next. Feet up lad, you’ve earned a rest!

Read Alistair Brownlee’s post on Instagram.