Desirae Ridenour Targets Olympics After Triathlon Comeback

UPDATE: Triathlete Desirae Ridenour is making headlines as she aims for Olympic qualification following a remarkable comeback from years of injuries and long COVID. The 25-year-old athlete, once a track star at Cowichan Secondary School, has returned to competitive form, recently winning the Canadian Sprint Triathlon National Championships in Montreal in September 2024.

Ridenour’s journey has been anything but smooth. After dominating the triathlon scene with a gold medal at the 2017 Canada Summer Games and a fourth-place finish at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018, she faced a series of setbacks. From 2020 to 2023, injuries—including a stress reaction in her hip and multiple concussions—alongside long COVID, derailed her promising career.

“I was over-trained and battling a little injury,” Ridenour reflected on her withdrawal from the 2023 Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. Determined to turn her fortunes around, she relocated to Cambridge, New Zealand, in early 2023, training under coach Lachie Kerin. This pivotal move has revitalized her career, allowing her to train consistently and regain her competitive edge.

In a stunning comeback, Ridenour became the first Canadian in a decade to win a World Cup triathlon, clinching victory at the season-opener in Napier, New Zealand, in February 2025, finishing the race in 56 minutes, 24 seconds. She has since added to her success with victories at two Americas Triathlon Cups in Montreal and Kelowna in July and August, respectively.

Now ranked 64th in the world, Ridenour is focused on her Olympic dreams. “I do have my eyes on the Olympics and I’m doing everything I can to put myself in the best position leading up to the qualifying period,” she stated, showcasing her ambition and dedication.

As Ridenour gears up for forthcoming races, including a WTCS event in France at the end of the month, her story resonates with many who have faced adversity. Ridenour plans to split her training between New Zealand and Canada, optimizing her schedule for peak performance.

With the Olympic qualifiers on the horizon, eyes are on Ridenour as she seeks to fulfill her dreams on the world stage. Her inspiring journey serves as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of challenges, making her story one to watch in the upcoming months.