TRIATHLON 2016 I ABU DHABI 42
STIMPSON STARTS
SEASON ON TOP
ATHLETES PICK UP OLYMPIC POINTS
Claiming her first WTS victory since 2014, Great
Britain's Jodie Stimpson finally earned her way back to
the top of the podium by winning the first race of the
season at the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.
After pushing through a long swim, a tough bike and an
even tougher run, Stimpson broke away from a small
four-woman pack in the final lap of the race to reclaim
her right to a WTS gold medal. Showcasing an amazing
come-from-behind performance, Australia's Ashleigh
Gentle earned the silver medal, while Stimpson's British
compatriot Helen Jenkins took the bronze.
"My winter could not have gone any better. My training
group had been highly motivated because none of us had
made our Olympic spots yet. Me and Helen Jenkins, we
are great rivals, she is just a fantastic athlete and I have
so much respect for her. As soon as I crossed the line I
went to her and thought we could not have made it any
harder for them really, but we are both in the same boat
and it will be whoever had the best race in Gold Coast. It
will be the best woman who wins and if Helen beats me
in Gold Coast, she deserves to go," said Stimpson on
her win and her road to still qualify for the Rio Olympic
Games during the time of the race.