Jeffcoat returns to World Triathlon Championship Series racing after three-year absence

There was a time when Emma Jeffcoat wasn’t sure she’d ever race again – let alone at the top level of triathlon.

Three years of surgeries, setbacks, and soul-searching left her questioning whether the sport she’d dedicated her life to was worth the fight.

But this Saturday, the Tokyo Olympian returns to the World Triathlon Championship Series in Alghero, Italy, ready to race the world’s best again.

“I’ve worked so incredibly hard the last three years to come back and earn the right to be on that start line,” Jeffcoat said.

“That’s something I’m most proud of – the fact I’ve put in the hard work to get back to the level where I’m fit and ready to compete.

“I’m super excited to rip in but that comes naturally with some nerves. I’m embracing that, it means I care. I’ve worked so hard to get back to this level, I just want to take the opportunity with both hands and run with it.”

Jeffcoat’s last appearance at the level was in Yokohama in 2022. In the time since, she faced a series of setbacks that would have ended many careers.

A femoral stress fracture, a full ankle reconstruction, two rounds of IVF, and the complications of a 15-centimetre blood clot in her leg.

More than just battling serious physical injuries, she struggled mentally and even questioned if she should walk away from triathlon for good.

“It’s not mentioned often when athletes talk about physical injuries is the mental toll those injuries took,” Jeffcoat said.

“That was the most significant thing I had to overcome. The mental load of those setbacks and the self-doubt that creeps in when you do lack consistency.

“I had literally just recovered from the femoral stress fracture, got back to doing my first run back on land, we then went and scanned my ankle and realised it needed a full reconstruction. Throw in the fertility in the middle of that, where I was dealing with such a disruption of hormones and looking at bigger questions in relation to my life as Emma, not just as an athlete.

“I was at a big low and questioned: why do I do this sport, why am I putting so much energy into coming back, and is it worth it? The answer is clear – I’m here now. For me, it is worth it. That’s shifted my mentality now. I’m out there to give it a red-hot crack, but I take every start as an opportunity to go out there and enjoy myself.”

Having fought her way back to the top, Jeffcoat now dares to dream of something even more meaningful.

The Sydneysider has her sights set on the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong – a career highlight and heartfelt homecoming she’s long sought. The opportunity to compete for Australia surrounded by family, friends, and fans has been a driving force in her journey back to the top level.

“It’s practically a home world champs for me and one of the biggest opportunities later in my career to be able to represent my country at that level. To earn the right to do that is a massive goal for me this year,” Jeffcoat said.

“I’d be able to have all my family and friends – who support me day in, day out – come and stand on the sidelines, cheer me on, see the magic happen, and see what I work so hard for. It would be something I’d never forget.

“I think about it most days, if I’m honest. Those big events are what we visualise in training. During the hard workouts, I sometimes have to go to a place in my mind where I’m envisioning where that effort will take me – and for me, that place is Wollongong. To have a World Championships back on home soil, I know how much everyone will get behind our Aussie athletes. I really want to be one of them.”

Joining Jeffcoat on the start line in Alghero is fellow Australian Ellie Hoitink, while in the men’s race Matt Hauser will be joined by Luke Willian, Brandon Copeland and Callum McClusky.

Hauser will line up wearing the coveted number one after his gutsy gold-medal performance in Yokohama catapulted him to the top of the world title deciding series standings.

“I’m feeling positive heading into this weekend. It’s an honour to be wearing number one, but I know a lot of men will be eager to take it from me so I’m staying ready as ever for a hard battle,” Hauser said.

“This course in Alghero is shaping up to be quite challenging. I’m loving the beach start and the promise of some chop; the bike will be a bit hilly and technical and hopefully with a small field it will have the elements to split up the race and challenge the strong runners coming from the chase. 

“It will also require a strong and measured run in this heat and on hilly streets. Hoping my body is up for the challenge as my mind certainly is.”

WTCS Alghero – Elite Men
Sat 31 May – From 11:30pm AEST
TriathlonLive

Matt Hauser
Luke Willian
Brandon Copeland
Callum McClusky

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