The End of an Era: Triathlon Legends Retire as the Sport Evolves
As the 2025 triathlon season draws to a close, we're witnessing the end of several storied careers while celebrating new milestones and exciting developments that will shape the sport's future.
The triathlon world is experiencing a bittersweet moment. As autumn leaves fall and racing calendars wind down, some of the sport's most beloved athletes are hanging up their racing kits for the final time. But alongside these emotional farewells, we're also celebrating incredible achievements and looking ahead to exciting new developments that promise to keep the triathlon community thriving.
A Weekend of Emotional Farewells in Arizona
IRONMAN Arizona became an unexpected stage for multiple retirement announcements, creating one of the most emotionally charged finish lines in recent memory. The desert race that has crowned countless champions also served as the final chapter for several legendary careers.
Simone Dailey: Going Out on Top
Great Britain's Simone Dailey couldn't have scripted a better ending to her professional career. The determined athlete claimed victory at IRONMAN Arizona, adding this desert triumph to her impressive resume that includes the 2019 IRONMAN Wales title.
"Retirement season is here," as the triathlon community has come to recognize, and Dailey chose to exit at the pinnacle of her powers—a fitting end for an athlete who always gave everything to the sport.
Meredith Kessler: A True Champion's Legacy
Perhaps no retirement announcement carried more weight than that of Meredith Kessler, whose career statistics read like a triathlon hall of fame entry. The American powerhouse accumulated an astounding 11 IRONMAN titles during her professional career, including a remarkable three consecutive Arizona victories from 2014 to 2016.
But Kessler's dominance extended far beyond Arizona. She achieved something truly special in New Zealand, claiming five consecutive IRONMAN titles from 2012 to 2016—a feat that showcases not just her talent, but her incredible consistency and determination. Add to that her 23 IRONMAN 70.3 victories, and you have a resume that few athletes in any sport can match.
The recognition of her peers speaks volumes about Kessler's impact. In 2018, during IRONMAN's 40th anniversary "Best Of" poll, she was voted the "greatest American female triathlete," finishing ahead of Heather Jackson—no small accomplishment in a sport rich with American talent.
What makes Kessler's story even more remarkable is her journey to professional racing. Before turning pro, she completed 30 full-distance races as an age-grouper, demonstrating the same dedication and passion that would later fuel her professional success.
Dede Griesbauer: Defying Age and Expectations
At an age when many athletes are long retired, Dede Griesbauer was still competing at the highest levels of triathlon—and winning. The "seemingly ageless" athlete announced her retirement after Arizona, bringing to a close one of the sport's most inspiring career arcs.
Griesbauer's journey into triathlon was far from traditional. A former national team swimmer who retired from the pool in 1994, she pursued education at the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, earning her MBA. Unlike Kessler's extensive age-group career, Griesbauer made a rapid transition to professional racing, turning pro in 2005 just two years after taking up the sport.
But Griesbauer's athletic ambitions extended far beyond traditional triathlon. She conquered the 12-hour Time Trial World Championship in 2016, competed in the grueling Race Across America as part of the Goodlife Racing Team, and achieved perhaps her most impressive feat by claiming the Ultraman World Championship in 2022 at the age of 52.
Her first IRONMAN victory came at Sherborne Castle in the UK, a moment witnessed by the racing community that would later marvel at her longevity and continued success across multiple endurance disciplines.
More Farewell Stories
The retirement announcements extended beyond Arizona. Great Britain's Jodie Stimpson, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, made her first and only full-distance professional race her swan song, finishing 13th in Arizona. "For me, it wasn't about the result, it was asking my body and mind to finish, what was my last ever professional race," she reflected on Instagram, capturing the emotional weight of these final competitive moments.
Haley Chura also announced her retirement last week after a career that spanned over a decade. The former NCAA Division I swimmer from Georgia turned professional in 2013 and went on to claim victories at IRONMAN Fortaleza (2014) and IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant (2022), along with six IRONMAN 70.3 titles.
The short-course specialist community also said goodbye to notable athletes, including American Olympian Summer Rappaport, who competed at the Tokyo Games, and Matt McElroy, who transitioned from NCAA running to WTCS competition before moving to longer distances in 2022.
A Legendary Finish Line Moment
The emotional weight of these retirements was perfectly captured by the presence of IRONMAN announcing legend Mike Reilly, who was on hand to bring both Griesbauer and Kessler across the finish line in Tempe. Reilly's iconic voice, which has welcomed countless athletes home over the years, provided the perfect soundtrack for these career-defining moments.
Luis Alvarez: Redefining What's Possible
While some athletes were ending their careers in Arizona, others were reaching new heights of achievement. Mexico's Luis Alvarez completed his 215th IRONMAN race at the event, a number so staggering it requires a moment to fully comprehend.
But Alvarez's accomplishments extend far beyond sheer volume. He's a member of "the Club," an exclusive group of athletes who have completed every IRONMAN race in the world. This prestigious membership includes Canadians John Wragg and Elizabeth Model, American Jeffrey Jonas, and Germany's Holger Muller.
Remarkably, even with 215 finishes, Alvarez remains second on the all-time IRONMAN completion list. Canadian John Wragg holds the record with an almost incomprehensible 272 IRONMAN finishes.
Alvarez's athletic pursuits extend beyond triathlon into the rarified air of mountaineering. He has successfully climbed the Seven Summits—the highest mountains on each continent. His Everest expedition proved particularly challenging when he suffered snow blindness and required assistance to descend safely, demonstrating the same perseverance that has carried him through hundreds of IRONMAN races.
Expanding Horizons: New Racing Opportunities
As the sport bids farewell to legendary athletes, it's simultaneously embracing new opportunities for growth and development. IRONMAN has announced the addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Hengqin to its portfolio, scheduled for March 15, 2026.
This new event represents a significant expansion of racing opportunities in China, following the successful return of IRONMAN racing to mainland China with the Shanghai Chongming event in May. Located in the Guangdong/Hong Kong/Macao Greater Bay Area, the Hengqin race promises convenient access for athletes from major population centers while offering stunning scenery that combines city skylines, mountains, and sea views.
"We're excited to be introducing a brand-new IRONMAN 70.3 race to China and look forward to welcoming athletes from China and abroad to Hengqin in March next year," said Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for the IRONMAN Group. "The course is set to take in the incredible scenery of the region, mixing the city skyline, mountains and the sea, with a new vista around every corner."
Olympic Spotlight: Triathlon Takes Center Stage
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, triathlon will once again claim a place of honor in the Games schedule. The women's individual triathlon, set for Saturday, July 15, 2028, will be the first medal awarded at the LA Games, with a 7:30 AM local start time.
This mirrors triathlon's debut at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, when the women's race also awarded the first medal of those Games. The men's individual race follows on Sunday, July 16, with the mixed relay scheduled for Thursday, July 20.
Reflecting on Legacy and Looking Forward
As we process these retirement announcements and celebrate new achievements, several themes emerge that speak to triathlon's unique character as a sport.
The careers of athletes like Kessler, Griesbauer, and Dailey demonstrate triathlon's remarkable diversity of paths to success. Whether through extensive age-group experience, rapid professional development, or athletic longevity that defies conventional expectations, these athletes have shown that excellence in triathlon comes in many forms.
For those inspired by these legends and looking to optimize their own training, modern technology offers unprecedented support. Whether you're preparing for your first sprint distance or chasing a local triathlon, the right preparation makes all the difference.
The international scope of these stories—from Great Britain to Mexico to the United States—underscores triathlon's global appeal and the universal nature of its challenges and rewards. Whether racing in the Arizona desert or planning future competitions in China, the sport continues to bring together athletes from every corner of the world.
Perhaps most importantly, these retirement announcements remind us that every professional career, no matter how successful, eventually comes to an end. But as these legends step away from professional competition, their impact on the sport—through their achievements, their inspiration to others, and their demonstration of what's possible through dedication and perseverance—will continue to influence future generations of triathletes.
For athletes at any level looking to follow in these footsteps, having the right equipment is essential. A quality GPS watch like the Garmin Forerunner 55 can help track your progress, while proper swim goggles ensure comfortable training sessions in the pool.
