At only 26 year old, one of the most decorated athletes on the ITU circuit steps away from racing.
Her time away from the sport means that she won’t be able to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. She won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
« There are moments in life when we must face choices that are difficult, and sometimes it is tough to escape them. This has always been part of life, and despite the anguish I feel in making this decision, I think is the best way to preserve the past and the dedication to the National Triathlon Federation and Portugal.
For health reasons I have stopped in recent months to devote myself to the sport that I embraced and that gave me so much joy. I want to inform you of my intention to temporarily take a break from the sport. This does not mean I am totally abandoning (triathlon), it is only a temporary interruption that will allow me shortly to return in full.
I hope you understand my reasons and understand the difficulties of the moment I currently live with. I know I’ll get back and that this phase represents only a short break in my sporting career. I count on your support, Vanessa Fernandes »