While the spotlight has been on the Ironman 70.3 World Championship podium in Marbella, another story is Taylor Knibb finishing second in the world and then quietly alluding to beginning her off-season in the post-race press conference.
Knibb has always been both courageous and fearless in her racing, as well as willing to pause, reflect, and grow. She showed that this year by leading the race in Kona – the most iconic race in triathlon – all the way until two miles to go.
It is worth noting that pushing past one’s limits in the extreme heat of Kona can cause long-lasting consequences. But Knibb quietly reset back home in Boulder, patiently awaited multiple assessments from her coaching and medical team, and was ultimately cleared to race in Marbella eight data before the gun went off.
On the coast of Spain, Knibb once again showed what it means to race with courage and full heart. She led the chase in the swim, biked to the front, and more or less led through to the mid-way point of the half-marathon in what felt like a déjà vu battle with Lucy Charles-Barclay, giving fans the privilege of once again watching the kind of race that is forever remembered in the sport’s history.
Should this indeed mark the start of Knibb’s off-season, her decision to pull out of the final T100 races in Dubai and Qatar, choosing not to defend her 2024 inaugural T100 world title, reflects the mix of courage and quiet wisdom she has come to be known and loved for.
While this is speculative, both Dubai and Qatar present hot conditions, and the longevity of Knibb’s career is likely better-served through a reset and measured build back to 2026. Knibb also shared in the post-race press conference that Marbella renewed her confidence in her ability to race again (as compared to ending her season after Kona), making this timing feel fitting and right.
Known for Joy, Authenticity, and Continuous Learning
Fans and media alike are drawn to Taylor Knibb, not only for her performances but for her presence. She speaks with joy, lightness, and candor, and every conversation feels genuine. She races hard, laughs easily, and leaves people smiling, bringing a unique energy that only Taylor can.
Knibb also embodies a true love for the process. Her laughter carries across a deck or through a press room. I remember one morning at the Scott Carpenter Pool in Boulder – I was there to swim and unwind, but it was unmistakable that she was there too. She laughed and chatted through the entire set, making everyone around her lighter. It was the sound of someone who truly enjoys what she does.
Last year, Knibb mentioned reading The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin, a book about mastery, presence, and continuous improvement. Undoubtedly Knibb will be tapping into her introspective nature this off-season, strategically building on everything she has learned to come back even stronger in 2026.
May we take a moment to celebrate all that Taylor Knibb gave us this season. We will miss her on the final start lines! But we wish her the best this off-season as well as the chance to stop, breathe, and appreciate how far she has come. We also hope she can enjoy her favourite cookie dough treat, even if Crumbl Cookie in Boulder is no longer around!
The post Taylor Knibb: Potential End of 2025 Season After 70.3 Worlds appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.