Kat Matthews secured her second podium spot of the T100 Triathlon World Tour after a third-place finish in front of a home crowd in London.
Matthews dismounted the bike in sixth, but a hard-fought run saw her gain three places, less than two weeks after her second Ironman win of the season.
Despite competing in both long distance and middle distance this season, the 33-year-old once again found the energy and rigour to put on an impressive performance in Docklands.
“I’m surprised that I’ve been able to emotionally dig so deep in every race and I’m so proud of that,” she said.
“I raced a long-distance race two weeks ago and my excitement levels were struggling earlier in the week, but I worked with my coach to raise that.
“To emotionally want to be there for every race, work hard and make it matter. Every race I start, I’m really excited for.
“I’ve not had the best couple of years, which means I have the gratitude of being here, being fit and healthy, so I feel rejuvenated.
“That was just the best result – the field in these T100 races are the absolute best.
“I can’t believe I managed to scrape onto the podium!”
Competing in both formats might take its toll on others, but Matthews insists it never felt far-fetched to her that she could compete well in both.
“I’m fully committed to both of them,” she added. “There’s no part of me that thinks I can get away with not committing to either.
“The performances I’m putting out have given me even more energy to keep going.
“The T100 series is massive. It basically is a World Championships every time you turn up.
“The only difference is that not everyone is peaking on the same day – therefore you get a great fluctuation of people’s fitness and performances throughout the year.”
Matthews’ popularity was clear to see as the 20 triathletes, featuring six Brits, ran through the capital city.
“This environment is great and it’s a really cool environment to be a part of,” she added.
“It was an amazing crowd – from London and people have travelled from all over England so it was amazing out there.
“I was surprised by how good the course was – how interactive, how feisty, how tough, how British! And I think the crowds just gave you that focus.
“The laps were excellent, because it meant it was never too long before you’re passing your friends and family again, which gave me energy.
“I wanted to really commit and make people proud today.”
The first London T100 Triathlon weekend on 27-28 July is entirely free for spectators and includes a dedicated T100 Watch Party venue at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre for the very first time. Where fans will be able to see the world’s best triathletes come past at least 10 times during the 100km race format (2km swim, 80km run, 18 km swim). As well as being able to follow them live, out on the course, thanks to a big screen.
