Triathlon royalty Javier Gomez Noya announces his retirement
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Pho3nix Foundation ambassador and eight-time triathlon world champion Javier Gomez Noya today announced his retirement from professional sport at the end of 2024.
Over the past three years, Gomez has partnered with the Pho3nix Foundation to host Pho3nix Kids by Javier Gomez Noya sport events and education workshops across Spain, providing opportunities for the nation’s youth to engage in sport and a healthy, active lifestyle.
Joining the roster of the Pho3nix Team in the same span of time, he has represented the ideals of the Foundation in rising up to meet his challenges and inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams.
Over the past quarter century, the London Olympic silver medalist made history as the first athlete ever to win five Triathlon World Championships, the Triathlon Long Distance World Championship, as well as two Ironman 70.3 world titles in addition to an off-road triathlon world title.
Having overcome a cardiac anomaly only a year into his triathlon career to regain his racing licence, Gomez has always pushed his limits. But now he calls time on his career due to an ongoing struggle with injuries and setbacks.
“While he is still fit and able to compete at a good level, he is finding it very challenging to do all the training that is required to be amongst the best in the world,” says Gomez’s manager Javier Theilacker.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions of his life, but he believes the time has come to close this chapter and move forward into new challenges and opportunities. He will be doing a few races before the end of the year to say goodbye to racing at the professional level the best way he knows: with a race number on. If his body allows him to.”
Even as Gomez’s career as a professional athlete winds down, he remains dedicated to shaping his legacy in sports through his work with Pho3nix. Thanks to the Pho3nix Foundation’s support, Pho3nix Kids by Javier Gomez Noya will continue organising Kids Triathlon events and Pho3nix Kids Education workshops throughout 2024 and 2025. The program is on track to reach its 25,000th Spanish child by the end of this year, fostering a love for sport and creating a positive impact on their health and well-being.
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