Olympian Erica Hawley took to social media to share her thoughts on her performance at the World Triathlon Cup in Napier, New Zealand, where she finished a commendable 9th in her first race since the Paris Olympics.
Hawley acknowledged the challenges of returning to competition after a seven-month break, stating: "Training has been going well since December but you just never know on race day how you’ll compare. There’s a lot of unpredictability when you take 7 months off."
Despite feeling "like the race could have ended with a podium, or in 25th," Hawley expressed satisfaction with her result, calling it "probably a realistic result." She admitted to "running out of steam in the last km" but highlighted the "lots of positives to take away from competing again."
The Bermudian athlete also opened up about her decision to prioritize her mental health at the end of 2024, explaining that she "wasn't ready or motivated" to race at that time. She expressed pride in herself and her team for "choosing my health first and taking the time I truly needed."
Looking ahead, Hawley is optimistic about the rest of the season, stating: "Starting 2025 in a positive direction and looking forward to the rest of the season." Her honest reflection and commitment to well-being resonate with athletes and fans alike, highlighting the importance of mental health in achieving peak performance.
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