Catriona Morrison announced her retirement yesterday following a career that saw her win four duathlon world titles and a host of international triathlons, including an inspirational win at Ironman Lanzarote in 2010.
The Lanzarote win was remarkable after a snapped chain resulted in 40 minutes sat by the side of the road waiting for a replacement. Slowly working her way back up the field, she took the lead with 2.5km left on the run.
Later that year it was almost scripted that Cat should win her fourth and final ITU Duathlon world title in front of a home crowd in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park. As an integral part of the build up to the event, the pressure was piled on, but Cat more than rose to it with an impeccable performance over the tough, hilly course that was packed with local supporters.
Commenting on her highlights, Cat said: “I think representing Scotland in two Commonwealth Games and winning the World Duathlon in Edinburgh with all my friends and family present are my highlights. Having a world championships in my backyard was a very precious opportunity as you so rarely get to perform at home. It was almost like being able to say thank you to everyone for their belief in me and support of me.”
“The other highlight has to be setting a debut ironman distance world best in Roth in 2009; now of course superseded by many other wonderful performances. And that's where the sport is advancing, women are setting higher and higher standards. The quality of performance and the number and depth of female athletes in the elite ranks continues grow.”
Commenting the growth of triathlon, she added: “Triathlon as a sport is moving more into the mainstream. In my own club we have over 60 girls as club members. I am a firm believer in the power of positive role models - you cannot be what you cannot see - and I hope that I have had a small part and will continue to play a part in inspiring, motivating and enabling people to participate in triathlon and other sports in the future.”
Cat Morrison career highlights:
ITU Duathlon World Champion 2010 & 2006
ITU Long Distance Duathlon World Champion 2008, 2007
ETU Duathlon European Champion 2009, 2007
Multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3 wins
Represented Scotland at Commonwealth Games 2002 & 2006
