Tokyo Bids Farewell to Triathlon Legend Javier Gómez
Tokyo bids farewell to a legend of triathlon as Spain’s Javier Gómez has indicated on social media that the Games was probably his last ITU race.
Triathlon over the years has seen some true hero’s who have transcended the sport itself and cemented their legacy in the minds of Triathlon fans forever.
Javier Gómez is one of those heroes of the sport.
The Spaniards illustrious career has credentials that speak for themselves: Five-time ITU World Champion, two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion, Xterra World Champion, five-time ITU European Champion, Olympic medalist.
A triathlete’s true mark of excellence is the ability to step up under pressure and deliver when it matters the most consistently. But being the best is not only about a triathlete’s performance, it is also about how you perform off the field.
Javier Gómez was not only an exceptional talent in the world of triathlon over sprint and standard course racing but off the field embodied sporting values of excellence, friendship and respect by setting a good example for the next generation. More detail of Javier Gómez distinguished career in triathlon can be found here: Legends of Triathlon: Javier Gómez – Hall of Fame Beckons!
Tokyo was the last chance saloon for the one thing that has eluded his career, an Olympic Gold Medal having to settle for silver in the London Summer Olympics in 2021 coming behind Gold medalist Alistair Brownlee. Regrettably, the race did not pan out as he had hoped and the 38-year-old knew it was time to move onto the next challenge in his life.
Always on the lookout for the next challenge, what is next for the one of the greatest endurance athletes of all time. Well triathlon is his passion which he has turned into a career. From overcoming restrictions on a heart condition as he was starting out to now staying at the top later in his career, Javier Gómez takes it all in his stride as the world of long-course triathlon now beckons.
Already a two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion, Gomez has already tested the water and won his first full Ironman distance race at Ironman Malaysia 2019, with a course record of 8:18:59 in 2019.
Having already gained place to return to Hawaii, when you look up the winner of Kona Ironman World Championship do not be surprised to see the name Javier Gómez.
