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British triathlete Kate Waugh claimed her first world title in spectacular fashion when she won the T100 Triathlon World Championship final in Qatar on Friday.
The 26-year-old put in a dramatic performance in Lusail, collapsing exhausted at the finish line to claim the coveted crown and a substantial $200,000 prize money.
Heading into the final match of the season at the top of the T100 Race to Qatar rankings, Waugh knew a win would guarantee her championship. His victory was marked by an intense physical effort, which culminated in his staggering gait and eventual collapse.
“Oh my God, that was the most dramatic way to win a world title,” Waugh told tour organisers. “I’ve always been a drama queen, so I thought this was probably the best way to win this. I’m just completely overwhelmed with emotions right now. I don’t want to see those finish line pictures.”
The British athlete successfully held off stiff competition from her main title rivals, Switzerland’s Julie Deron and fellow Briton Lucy Charles-Barclay.
Deron, who had started the day just six points behind Waugh, finished third in the race, while Charles-Barclay, three points behind, finished fifth.
Deron ultimately finished second in the season standings, with Charles-Barkley third. Another British contender, Georgia Taylor-Brown, finished second in Friday’s race and seventh overall.
Reflecting on the grueling event, Waugh described the race, saying, “It was everything. It was tough from start to finish.”
She added, “I think I cried a little bit on the bike, I was in a lot of pain and obviously there was drama with the water station and I was angry.
“My dad said to me at one point, ‘Okay, just let that anger go’ so I started running and never looked back. Going into the last lap I felt the floor start to give in a little bit and I thought, ‘Oh, I’m in trouble now.’ I just kept it together and then Georgia was putting pressure on me and I luckily got across the line.”
The victory caps a remarkable debut season for Waugh in the 100 kilometer distance, a format almost twice the length of the Olympic triathlon.
He had previously questioned his future in the sport after finishing a disappointing 15th at the Paris Games. His T100 season included a win in Singapore and podium finishes in all six appearances.
He admitted, “It hurt a lot mentally and emotionally… Now it’s December and I’ve never raced at the end of the year.” “I’m tired but I told myself if I just had one last push I would enjoy my vacation even more.”
The T100 race includes a 2km swim, an 80km bike ride and an 18km run, with the tour covering eight global stops. Overall standings are determined based on an athlete’s best four results and their final race performance.