Minnesotan wins 6th triathlon series event of career

Published 3:21 am Monday, June 30, 2014

CHICAGO — Gwen Jorgensen became the first woman to win six career ITU World Triathlon Series events, topping the field Saturday at Grant Park.

Jorgensen, the Olympian from St. Paul, Minnesota, completed the 1,500-meter swim, 38.1-kilometer bike ride and 10-kilometer run in 1 hour, 55 minutes, 33 seconds.

Jorgensen, also the winner this year in Yokohama, Japan, and London, broke a tie with Australia’s Emma Moffatt and Canada’s Paula Findlay for the series record.

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“(The record is) not something I focus on. I just wanted to come out here and do the best that I could,” Jorgensen said. “Looking back on this race I’m still going to have to work on my swim and my bike, but I’m thrilled to race on home soil and the crowd really encouraged me throughout it.

“During the race, when I came through the grandstand area on the lap, the crowd was incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever been affected by cheers that loud. They gave me chills throughout my entire body.”

Britain’s Helen Jenkins was second in 1:55:53, and Japan’s Juri Ide followed in 1:56:00.