It comes with great emotion to publicly announce my retirement from professional triathlon racing. I made the decision during the Island House Triathlon in Nassau late last year. As I crossed the finish line, I was a groveling mess for I knew this would be the last time. Clearly distressed, I felt it was necessary to inform the race organizers and fellow athletes who were very respectful of my decision.

I’ve had a long career as a professional female triathlete. Now that I can sit back and reflect on my achievements, I appreciate all the opportunities I had and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me along the way: family, friends, sponsors, fans, and spectators. I should also make a special note to thank the ITU, IRONMAN and the British Triathlon Organization for all your support over the years. I am beyond blessed to be walking away from a career in this sport I love so much with 4 World Titles. Now I’ve had the time and energy to think, I realize how lucky I am. Most athletes strive to make that happen once. Some athletes get so close but fall short. While I was racing and training day in and day out, I never really appreciated these epic moments that shaped me.

If you are asking why I choose to retire now, the answer is simple: it’s time. During my 18-year racing career, I have had a lot of success and equally as many failures. However, this 40-year-old body can no longer do what it found so easy in its 20’s and early 30’s. For some, this would be no reason to stop. For me, I was left with no choice. The need to achieve great things is part of my DNA and as this slowly slipped away, so did my love for the sport. It became a chore to train, and I found it harder and harder to motivate myself to race. I know my body so well. I know what it feels like to be in the sort of shape to win big. I couldn’t get there anymore, so the enjoyment was gone. I still want to achieve big and I am going to make that happen in a different way.

As an athlete, I’ve always expressed that our bodies have a use by date for optimal performance. I could feel that date looming a couple of years ago when I physically struggled to be competitive with my rivals despite training as hard as I have ever done. So I put my exit strategy in place and began to build my coaching company and grow Team LC with my manager, Lou Cantin. Both have been highly successful. Now I have expanded into public speaking, writing a book, and product testing/design in conjunction with my sponsors: Santini, KASK, and Salming. I’m also thrilled to be part the Ventum bike brand alongside my other half, Diaa Nour. I am currently test riding their new road bike as well as collaborating with the design team of the Ventum One to improve what is already an outstanding triathlon bike.

As a final note, for those young female triathletes out there who may feel there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Look up, get up, and don’t ever give up. Remember, I was there too. Triathlon has shaped me into a strong, independent woman and I believe this sport can help so many, young and old.