News Summary

Desirae Ridenour, a dedicated triathlete, is on an inspiring path back to Olympic dreams after overcoming injuries and long COVID. Her resilience shines through as she secures victories and strives to support fellow athletes in her community. With recent wins on both national and international stages, Desirae’s dedication to triathlon exemplifies determination and the power of perseverance.

Inspiring Comeback of Desirae Ridenour: From Setbacks to Olympic Dreams

In the stunning backdrop of Cowichan Bay, British Columbia, the story of Desirae Ridenour unfolds like an epic saga. This dedicated triathlete, who first dazzled the community with her prowess in middle-distance track and field during her high school days at Cowichan Secondary School, is now on a remarkable journey back to the top. After a whirlwind of challenges, including injuries and the lingering effects of long COVID, Desirae is once again eyeing her Olympic dreams.

A Star is Born

Desirae’s journey into the sports world began with a trifecta of passions encompassing swimming, cycling, and running. She shone brightly in 2017 when she clinched the women’s individual gold medal in triathlon at the prestigious Canada Summer Games. This achievement set the stage for even greater accolades. The following year, she burst onto the international scene, finishing fourth with the Canadian mixed-relay triathlon team at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Her performance alongside her teammates showcased her talent and made her a name to remember in elite triathlon circles.

When the Going Gets Tough

Despite her rising momentum, Desirae’s journey has not been smooth. From 2020 to 2023, she faced a series of daunting setbacks, including a stress reaction in her hip, troublesome calf issues, and even multiple concussions. The most challenging of all was grappling with the debilitating effects of long COVID, which severely hindered her training and racing capacities. In a unfortunate twist, she was forced to withdraw mid-race during the 2023 Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile, grappling with overtraining and a minor injury that stung even more than a physical bruise.

New Horizons in New Zealand

After taking the time needed to heal, Desirae made a bold decision—she relocated from the National Triathlon Centre in Victoria to the beautiful landscapes of Cambridge, New Zealand. Here, she began training with her partner, Trent Thorpe, a fellow triathlete, and her new coach, Lachie Kerin. This pivotal change marked a turning point that saw Desirae rediscovering her rhythm and passion for triathlon, as she honed her skills and raced consistently.

Victories and Recognition

As the seasons passed, Desirae’s hard work began to pay off. In September 2024, she secured a triumphant win at the Canadian Sprint Triathlon National Championships held in Montreal—a feat that reminded everyone of her incredible talent. The world was willing to sit up and take notice when, in February 2025, she made history by becoming the first Canadian in a decade to win a World Cup triathlon in Napier, New Zealand, finishing the race in just 56 minutes and 24 seconds.

The victories didn’t stop there! In 2025 alone, she continued her streak with wins at the Americas Triathlon Cup in Montreal on July 19 and again in Kelowna on August 9. Earlier in the season, she showed her competitive spirit with a solid second-place finish in Holten, Netherlands, on June 21 and a third-place finish in the Vichy France Grand Prix. With all of these accomplishments under her belt, it’s no surprise that Desirae climbed to 64th in the world rankings, establishing herself as a force that avid triathlon fans can’t overlook.

Giving Back to the Community

Not only is Desirae focused on her Olympic qualification aspirations, but she is also taking steps to give back to the sport she loves. She has joined the Hummingbird Collective to engage more deeply with the triathlon community, supporting other budding athletes as she moves forward in her own career.

At just 25 years old, Desirae Ridenour is not just a remarkable athlete; she’s a testament to resilience and determination. As she gears up for the Olympic qualification period, the triathlon community is rallying behind her, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this awe-inspiring athlete’s journey.

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