Kate Waugh leads the way heading into the final of the T100 Triathlon World Championship in Qatar on Friday, despite only stepping up the 100km distance this year
Kate Waugh almost fell out of love with triathlon – but now has her eyes on sealing a landmark world title.
The 26-year-old leads the way heading into the final of the T100 Triathlon World Championship in Qatar on Friday, despite only stepping up the 100km distance this year.
She made an immediate impression with victory on debut in Singapore and has finished on the podium in all six races so far this season.
It is a world away from where the Gateshead athlete found herself a year ago after disappointment at the Paris 2024 Olympics left her questioning her way forward in the sport.
READ MORE: ‘I race all around the world in iconic locations – it’s so intense, so brutal’READ MORE: Kate Waugh aims to continue remarkable record and set up grandstand finish in Dubai
“The T100 allowed me a fresh start,” she said. “I was so grateful to have that opportunity and I think I really needed it; I finished the Olympic year last year unsure of where my future was in triathlon.
“I have found my love for the sport again. I am super grateful that T100 has allowed me to do that.
“I learned so much after Paris last year. The Olympic prep was like nothing I have ever experienced before, and I think I am a stronger athlete and person because of it. I learned so much about myself.
“I am feeling refreshed and ready to hit another Olympic cycle and hopefully make LA an incredible experience as well.”
Waugh knows victory in Qatar will guarantee victory but there is little room for error with Julie Derron just six points behind and fellow Brit Lucy Charles-Barclay three further back.
The T100 Triathlon World Tour takes athletes across the world over eight legs before culminating in the final in Qatar, where more points and prize money are on offer.
An athlete’s best four results and their finish in the final will determine the final standings – with Waugh buoyed by two wins amongst her six podiums.
The 26-year-old has her eyes on the prize but revealed that regardless of the result, she is thrilled with her breakthrough season on the tour.
“I would love to put the icing on the cake and finish where I started,” she said.
“I see it as a really privileged position to be in, I never imagined myself to be in this position, so I am trying to seize the opportunity and enjoy it.
“I didn’t really have any expectation coming into this series, I just wanted to give it a go and see how I would do.
“Winning my first one set the bar high and I am really happy that I have been consistent this year and I am hoping I can finish the year on a high and continue that [podium] streak.
“Whatever happens, I have had the season of my career. I am excited to race T100 for many years to come and hopefully get stronger every year.”