What a day it was for Vicky Holland as she topped her return to elite triathlon competitors by declaring triumph in the Europe Triathlon Championships in Vichy, France.
The 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist returned to the sport late in the 2023 season following the birth of her veryfirst kid, identified to assoonas onceagain cut it at the really greatest level. Saturday in France showed she had beyond any doubt.
Vicky, now 38, was in close presence at the front of the race coming out of the water, and then part of the lead pack on the bike leg. But it was on the run that she revealed genuine guts and battle, refusing to provide in when she fell practically 15 seconds back at one point. She would bridge that space to come home in front of Leonie Periault of France and Alice Betto of Italy.
It was a really unique day for Vicky, with her choice to return to elite competitors vindicated, and all the difficult work rewarding.
Vicky Holland on European title
Writing on her Instagram account, Vicky confessed: “I can’t lie, I’m so so proud of this one. Not just to win a champion title as a 38year old mum, however to win it in the method that I did, understanding whatever that I’ve put into this AND having @rhyso_davey there too? Well I couldn’t have asked for much more.
“4th out of the swim, a 6-lady breakaway for the 40km bike, and a strong run closing down a deficit that blew out to almost 15s at one point, to make it back to the front of the race. @leonieperio you actually made me work for that! We didn’t get the sprint surface the race shouldhave however thankyou for bringing out the finest in me! My run legs have certainly felt muchbetter at points this season however as an all round efficiency, that’s the finest I’ve raced in a long long time.”
With Betto declaring the bronze medal, it suggested 2 mums on the podium – a truth Vicky was fast to recommendation.
“Two mums on the podium is quite unique too – congratulations @alice.betto.triatleta – ideally we are part of a growing number of ladies revealing what can be done if you desire to. It takes a big quantity of assistance (massive shout out to the assistance team… you understand who you are!) however days like theotherday program what’s possible for sportswomen concerned about picking inbetween their profession and having kids – whether you’re expert or not.”