Erica Hawley Reflects On Top-Ten Finish
Erica Hawley expressed her encouragement after securing a ninth-place finish at the World Triathlon Cup Napier in New Zealand on Saturday [February 22] – especially as it marked her return to competition after a seven-month break.
The 26-year-old, who previously placed 41st at the Paris Olympics, delivered a strong performance in the elite women’s sprint-distance race [750-metres swim, 20-kilometres bike, and 5-kilometres run), finishing ninth in 57min and 26sec.
Canada’s Desirae Ridenour claimed victory in 56:24.
“First kick out since Paris and finished p9,” Hawley wrote on social media.
“Ran out of steam in the last km but lots of positives to take away from competing again.
“I honestly felt like the race could have ended with a podium, or in 25th, so I’m glad I was somewhere in the middle [probably a realistic result].
“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 seven months off.
“At the end of 2024, I wanted to race but mentally I wasn’t ready or motivated [which is something I haven’t dealt with in a long time].
“I’m proud of myself and my team for choosing my health first and taking the time, I truly needed.
“Starting 2025 in a positive direction and looking forward to the rest of the season!”
