Even the greatest athletes eventually have to hang up their race suits – and now, it’s time to say goodbye to one of triathlon’s all-time greats. German star Anne Haug has officially announced her retirement from professional racing.
Widely regarded in recent years as one of the top Long Distance triathletes in the world, Haug’s career is defined by far more than her dominance over 140.6 miles. Her journey includes Olympic appearances – finishing 11th in London 2012 and 36th in Rio 2016 – and remarkable consistency at the highest level of short-course racing, including second place in the 2012 World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) standings and third in 2013.
Haug transitioned seamlessly into Long Distance racing, where her list of accomplishments only grew. She famously won the Ironman World Championship in Kona in 2019, later backing that up with a third-place finish in 2022 and a runner-up spot in 2023.
Among her many accolades, her victories at Challenge Roth stand out – winning the prestigious race three times (2018, 2019, and 2024). Her 2024 win was particularly historic: finishing in a blistering time of 8:02:38, she set a new “world best time” for the Long Distance triathlon. That time still stands as the fastest ever recorded over the distance.
Anne Haug leaves behind a legacy of resilience, excellence, and trailblazing performances. As the sport bids farewell to one of its finest, her impact will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.