The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN international triathlete Greer Wynn has finally called time on her career.
The 47-year-old has vowed to stay retired “this time”, having flirted with the idea for the past three years.
“I am proud to have raised the Zimbabwean flag high,” said Wynn.
“It was never easy, especially the last few years when I had to race against youngsters who are full of energy and Olympic grades.
“I always made sure never to look at my opponents’ ages; I just simply told myself that they were ordinary opponents.”
Wynn recalls how her triathlon journey started when she was just 13-years-old.
After realising that she loved cycling, running and swimming, she decided to take the sport seriously and turned professional just after high school.
She then represented Zimbabwe in the junior ladies’ category before making the cut into the elite class.
“Sport is in my DNA, but I am done with triathlon and will now be taking up Ironman events in South Africa,” she said.
“When I reached 40, I felt I had reached my peak. I was stronger mentally than ever before.
“Later, I went to South Africa, where I took up professional circuit races and rose to the top 10 female cyclists in South Africa.”
At the age of 43, Wynn gave birth to her only child, and, in a short time, was racing again.
She trained throughout her pregnancy and was determined to get back into shape as soon as possible.
“I would train alone and I found it beneficial,” she said.
“My body learnt to be instinctive, so I trained according to its needs.”
However, along the way she developed an arterial problem that affected blood flow to her quadriceps and had to undergo surgery.
“I got up from the hospital bed with determination and commitment.
“I did not want the operation to be my end, so I gradually started training again.
“The first days were tough to an extent that one day I felt like giving up, but the following day I found myself back at it again.
“Surprisingly, I had a podium finish at my first race thereafter.”
