Jan Frodeno, widely regarded as the greatest male triathlete in history, is reaching the end of his illustrious career. The German athlete, who claimed Olympic gold in the triathlon at the 2008 Beijing Games, secured three Ironman world championships, two half-Ironman world championships, and even set a long-distance triathlon world record. However, Frodeno has decided to retire at the conclusion of this season. His final race in the United States is set to take place in Milwaukee at the U.S. Open event, followed by his last Ironman World Championship in Nice, France later this year.
At the age of 41, Frodeno has found something he loves more than racing – being a father to his children, Lucca and Sienna, aged 7 and 5. Triathlon training demands both mental and physical dedication, leaving little room for quality family time. While he plans to continue attending and participating in triathlon events, Frodeno will no longer compete for championships after this season.
In an interview from Milwaukee, Frodeno discussed his decision to retire and explained why he has no intention of overindulging in pizza and beer as a retired athlete. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
When asked about his final race in the U.S., Frodeno described it as his last chance to experience the nervous excitement of racing for titles. He was then prompted to discuss what led to his retirement decision. Frodeno candidly admitted that his children were the main driving force behind it. He disclosed that he now derives more pleasure from being a father than from his sport, and he believes this shift in focus is detrimental to maintaining a competitive edge required in professional athletics. While this change allows for a more balanced life, it does not align with the mindset needed to win championships.
Frodeno was then asked about how he managed to balance training with the demands of early childhood. He credited his wife and family for taking on the majority of the responsibility, but expressed his exhaustion at constantly having to decline his children’s requests. Saying no to their requests to play soccer or participate in races due to his training became tiring for the athlete. At 41, he is satisfied with his performance and physical condition. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that the selfishness necessary to endure 40-hour training weeks and sacrifice everything else has started to dwindle.
Discussing his training routine, Frodeno revealed that he has always chosen to live in places that facilitate optimal training conditions. Moving to Andorra 18 months ago has given him access to high-altitude training, a method popular among many elite athletes residing there. From his perspective, it is an incredible place to raise children, as they can ski three times a week during winter. However, Frodeno cannot join them due to the need to maintain his physical fitness.
When asked about what he will miss the most about the sport, he mentioned the clear-cut nature of it. Triathlon is a sport where success is binary – you either make it or you don’t. In contrast, life presents a multitude of gray areas and being subjected to others’ judgments. As for what he won’t miss, Frodeno admits that he will have to reassess his feelings in six months’ time. The challenge lies in finding a new identity beyond being a professional athlete. People often ask him what he does, and being a professional athlete has always defined him. It has never been just a job, but rather a calling and a vital part of his identity. Recapturing that level of dedication and purpose will be challenging.
Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed in the sport during his career, Frodeno highlighted advancements in technology and data-driven training. When he began, training was as simple as jotting down sessions on a piece of paper and submitting them to the coach weekly. Nowadays, everything is measured and calculated using various applications, wearables, and trackers, which have enhanced the sophistication of the sport. Nutrition has also evolved significantly, with a focus on precise carbohydrate intake and attention to detail. These advancements have raised the level of competition.
Frodeno misses the instinctual aspects of training and considers himself old school. He appreciates the simplicity of running up a hill as fast as possible, relying on nothing more than a stopwatch. He finds purity in such simplicity, which he believes is rare and beautiful.
When initially asked about his favorite part of a race – the swim, the bike, or the run – Frodeno mentioned that running during the first few weeks of the off-season can be less enjoyable. However, when the season starts and competition kicks in, the sensation of running and being in sync with oneself, in addition to evaluating effort based on breath and body acidity, becomes profoundly rewarding.
Regarding his diet after retiring as a high-level athlete, Frodeno emphasizes the importance of believing that what one consumes directly affects one’s output. He attributes his longevity in the sport to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. However, he admits that he will indulge in pizza occasionally and enjoy a beer with friends, but he does not foresee himself becoming a regular at bars. He plans to reduce his intake of pasta and rice, maybe incorporating more meat or fish, which he typically avoids.
When asked about his post-retirement plans, Frodeno humorously replies that he has no intention of sitting on the couch and watching snooker and football all day. In fact, he doesn’t even own a television. He intends to dabble in other sports, take on new challenges, such as mountain biking and backcountry skiing, and lead a more active lifestyle. He hopes to have more energy and not feel as fatigued. Movement is something he loves and requires to feel fulfilled. Without it, he admits he can be rather irritable.
Hiking is an activity that Frodeno never considered before, but he admits that after trying it a few times, he found it surprisingly enjoyable. He acknowledges the value of taking in the scenery along the way.
Finally, Frodeno reveals that he is looking forward to engaging in surfing and other water sports. He craves activities where he can challenge himself and potentially face the risk of injury. While triathletes excel in their field, he acknowledges their relative incompetence in other areas. As a result, he hopes to work on his coordination skills and explore new sporting avenues.
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