As the countdown to the Paris Olympics ticks down to less than 145 days, anticipation is at an all-time high in the athletic world. Among the multitude of athletes converging for the ultimate stage is a trailblazer from the USA. This 32-year-old has left a mark on the triathlon circuit, boasting significant victories throughout her career. Notably, at the Tokyo Test Event in 2019, she became the first US female to secure a spot in Tokyo 2020, ultimately finishing a commendable 14th.
However, in 2023, this talented athlete suffered a heartbreaking setback in a bike crash that ended her season. Yet, undeterred, she resurfaces in 2024 with her sights set firmly on the pinnacle games.
Triathlon star aims for 2024 Paris Olympics after season-ending injuries
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to World Triathlon, Summer Rappaport will make her return in 2024 in the first leg of the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi. At the 2023 Super League Triathlon Race in Malibu, Summer Rappaport’s unfortunate bike crash has significant implications for her participation in the Paris Olympics. She suffered a broken jaw in the crash, a broken elbow, and even a sacral stress reaction, which was diagnosed later, adding to the SI joint injury she had been dealing with earlier in the season.
These injuries forced her to end her 2023 season, and she even shared on Instagram, “I’ve never been in a position where I was so injured that I couldn’t do any of the three sports of my sport and it has definitely been a bit daunting.” But, with the help of her support system, baby steps outside, outdoor water run days, and training with LEVER Movement, she was slowly able to regain her strength and shared on December 31, 2023, “Looking forward to what 2024 has to hold!” As fans look forward to her 2024 debut, let us see what awaits her at the upcoming 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What lies ahead for Summer Rappaport?
Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a significant chance of qualification comes in the form of the World Triathlon Championship Series. In the series, athletes accumulate points throughout the season, which will contribute to their final ranking and determine their eligibility for Olympic qualification. The first leg of this series is set to be held in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit on March 8th and 9th, 2024. Fifty-five women will compete in the Abu Dhabi race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The United States presents a strong contingent of five women, including the resilient Summer Rappaport. Alongside her, Taylor Spivey, a bronze medalist from the previous year, and the experienced duo of Kirsten Kasper and Gwen Jorgensen, Olympic gold medalists from the 2016 Rio Games, will round out the American team. With days to go for the epic series, fans hope Summer Rappaport will make waves again as she paves her way to Paris in 2024.