Unexpected Departure: Anne Haug Reaches Breaking Point, Steps Down From Position - Anne Haug reaches breaking point.
In a poignant announcement, Anne Haug, one of triathlon's all-time greats, has decided to retire from the sport after a stellar career spanning over two decades. The German athlete, known for her resilience, consistency, and trailblazing performances, called it quits following the 2023 season.
Haug's decision was primarily influenced by a series of health problems, injury setbacks, and a significant loss of will to continue competing. The turning point came during the Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz race in Spain on July 13, 2025, when Haug was forced to drop out (DNF) due to her willpower giving way during the race. This experience marked the end of a 20-year rule Haug had upheld, never to quit a race.
Haug's career highlights include a remarkable victory at the 2019 Ironman World Championship in Kona, making her the only German to win this prestigious race. In 2024, she set the current world record for the fastest women's full-distance triathlon time at Challenge Roth with a remarkable time of 8:02:38, a record that remains unbeaten. Haug also boasts three victories at Challenge Roth (2018, 2019, and 2024), one of long-distance triathlon's most prestigious events.
Earlier in her career, Haug made a name for herself in short-course racing, with standout performances such as an 11th place finish at the 2012 London Olympics, 36th at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and podium finishes in the World Triathlon Championship Series standings—2nd in 2012 and 3rd in 2013.
Haug's signature discipline was running, as demonstrated by her world record time of 2:38:52 hours in the marathon segment of the triathlon. However, her career was not without its challenges. In the beginning of the year, Haug was diagnosed with a thrombosis in her eye, and over the past two years, she has experienced "very strange illnesses" that affected her training consistency and caused doubt.
As she hangs up her triathlon gear, Haug leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. She joins three-time Hawaii winner Jan Frodeno and 2014 World Champion Sebastian Kienle in retirement, marking the end of an era in triathlon.
This article was published by the German Press Agency.
[1] German Press Agency, 2025. Anne Haug Retires from Triathlon After Struggling with Health Issues. [online] Available at:
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