Have you ever looked at a triathlon race under rainy conditions and thought, “I’ll pass, it’s way too slippery out there”? I’ve been there, too–far too many times. One moment you’re pumped to race, and the next, your brain starts staging a coup, yelling: “You will crash! You will freeze!” But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my triathlon journey, it’s that real breakthroughs happen precisely at the edge of our comfort zone. Sometimes, you just need to lean in (figuratively and literally) and trust yourself–a lesson that was on full display during the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Series in Yokohama.

Jeanne Lehair’s Strategic Victory

At the end of a wet and dramatic day, it was Jeanne Lehair of Luxembourg standing tall on the podium with a gold medal swinging around her neck. She navigated the challenging weather conditions like a seasoned pro, proving that controlled composure can trump chaos. If anyone ever told you that you can’t change or adapt in the face of adversity, Lehair’s performance might make you think again. Heck, she'd probably give Lionel Sanders (Mr. No Limits) a run for his money on raw grit alone!

Rain, Resilience, and Risk

As in life, triathlon competition doesn’t always come with neon warning signs. The weather turned on the athletes, forcing each one to figure out how to endure (and stay upright!) on that slippery bike course. We even saw reigning Olympic and World Champion Cassandre Beaugrand crash out, a stark reminder that unpredictable challenges can appear any given day. It’s a lot like investing in the stock market–you know there’s volatility, but you never know exactly when it will strike. All we can do is prepare the best we can.

Beth Potter’s Silver Medal and Steely Resolve

Then there’s Beth Potter, who reminded us of the incredible power of patience and perseverance. She snatched that silver medal by staying calm under pressure and waiting for the right moments to surge–even as the cold weather was wreaking havoc on her body early in the race. Watching Potter push through discomfort kind of reminded me of those times I struggled to roll out of bed for early-morning swims. Once you get going, you realize there’s no better feeling than defying your own doubts.

Gwen Jorgensen’s Fourth-Place Surge

Seeing Gwen Jorgensen back in the top mix was downright exhilarating. Her fourth-place finish proves what I love to preach: “You are never too old to start or restart whatever journey you’re on.” Jorgensen showcased that a powerful run leg can make all the difference, slicing through the pack like a savvy investor spotting the next hot stock. The race might not have ended in a medal for Gwen, but it sure ended in victory for personal milestones and emotional victories.

Lisa Tertsch’s Bronze Bravery

We often talk about the “big names,” but don’t sleep on athletes who are hungry for a chance to shine. Germany’s Lisa Tertsch took the bronze medal with a determined final push, even after earlier efforts on the bike and run started draining her reserves. It reminded me of that time I cramped up at the halfway mark of a race–my legs felt like bricks, but I kept going, telling myself not to worry about the clock and just focus on moving forward. Tertsch’s ability to hang on proves that if you work consistently, sooner or later you’ll realize you’re stronger.