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Sam Appleton

@samappo

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Australian Professional Triathlete

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Hey friends,

After more than 20 years of racing triathlon, I’ll be hanging up the tools at the end of 2026.

I did my first triathlon when I was 13 years old, and from that moment, triathlon became so much more than a sport to me, it became my life, my identity, and the thing I wanted to give everything to.

I don’t think I can fully express in this post what triathlon has meant to me over the past two decades. It has given me more than I ever could have imagined. The opportunity to travel the world, test myself in ways I never thought possible, create lifelong friendships, and share unforgettable moments with so many incredible people.

To the fans, supporters, sponsors, coaches, teammates, friends, family, and everyone behind the scenes who allowed me to chase this crazy dream for so long, thank you. What a gift it was having you all in my corner.

From racing as a 13-year-old junior for TriNSW to competing in some of the most competitive races in the world, I have achieved far more than I ever thought possible in this sport. At the heart of it all, I simply wanted to explore the limits of my potential. Winning was special, of course, but so was the process of pushing my body, riding the ups and downs, and lining up alongside competitors who brought out the best in me.

The past few months have had me reflecting more deeply on my time as an athlete. When you’re in the thick of a career, it can be hard to see the forest through the trees. There is always more training, another race, another goal. Sometimes, in chasing what is next, you forget to pause and appreciate how far you have come.

The other day, I pulled an old memorabilia box out of the garage. For the first time in my career, I started putting some of my trophies on display. It was a small thing, but it made me realise how far I have come in this journey.

Retiring from professional racing doesn’t mean triathlon will ever stop being part of who I am. It has shaped me in ways I will carry for the rest of my life. But I feel my life moving in different directions now, and I’m genuinely excited to pursue the paths ahead.

Continued in comments.... by @samappo

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2 months ago

Backstreets back.

📸 @koruptvision taken in Port Macquarie, New South Wales by @samappo

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2 years ago

Kona. A great week with great people.

Missed the action a little bit, but not as much as I initially thought I would before the race. The sport is in such a crazy pace and I’m just stoked to be such a teeny, tiny part in it.

Thank you @ironmantri for having me as part of the broadcast. What a race on both the men’s and womens side. Congratulations @taylorknibb and @vincentluistri for superb races. It was amazing to witness. by @samappo

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5 days ago

My road to @patagonman. @parkerkerth’s road to Kona. Sometimes you gotta come out of retirement and put these young kids in the their place. 📸 @itskennywithrow by @samappo

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a month ago

El 6 de marzo de 2016, Sam Appleton cruzaba primero la meta del IRONMAN 70.3 Buenos Aires y se convertía en el ganador de la primera carrera IRONMAN realizada en Argentina. 🇦🇷

Diez años después, volvimos a ese día con él. A los recuerdos, a aquella carrera y a una historia que también marcó el comienzo de la nuestra.

Gracias, Sam, por ser parte de estos 10 años de IRONMAN Argentina. 💪🪄

Y antes de que llegue el momento de colgar el trisuit… quién sabe. Nos encantaría volver a verte competir en casa. 🇦🇷😉

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On March 6, 2016, Sam Appleton crossed the finish line first at IRONMAN 70.3 Buenos Aires, becoming the winner of the first IRONMAN race held in Argentina.

Ten years later, we went back to that day with him. To the memories, that race, and a story that also marked the beginning of ours.

Thank you, Sam, for being part of these 10 years of IRONMAN Argentina.

And before the time comes to hang up the trisuit… who knows. We’d love to see you race at home again. 🇦🇷😉 taken in Nordelta, Tigre by @samappo

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a month ago

🤝 @patagonman

I’ll be signing off my career in December with the iconic extreme triathlon Patagonman. I cannot wait to experience the beauty and brutality of this unique event. The perfect race to close out this journey.

Give me a holla if you’re heading to Chile! by @samappo

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2 months ago

Sam Appleton announced today that he is retiring from pro triathlon. It has been such an amazing honour to share the last 1.5 years of Appo’s racing career with him here on The Triathlon Hour podcast. The 20 x champ always does & says whatever he wants and we think he’s earnt that!

On behalf of Jack, Vicky, Greg & Malachi - we just want to say how much we admire what you’ve achieved over the years @samappo.

The best part of this? Now our man has much more free time to bring you laughs, banter & debate on the podcast! So here’s to many more years of that (if he doesn’t sleep in and miss it… we know it wouldn’t be the first time for him 😴).

If you love Appo like we do, leave a comment and let him know what a legend he is! by @samappo

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2 months ago

FOURTH MOST IRONMAN 70.3 WINS ALL TIME 💥

Nineteen 70.3 victories in 13 years for @samappo 🇦🇺 most recent being 2025 IM70.3 Santa Cruz.

For full list and record books at protrinews.com. by @samappo

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3 months ago

Escaped Alcatraz and got my cheeks clapped in the process. No excuses, just not good enough on the day.

It was awesome to experience this iconic event, and I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to fully deliver on the day. 14th in the end for me. Not my finest day in the sport, but we will be back! by @samappo

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4 months ago

Doing what I do best. Average track sessions. Last attempt to raise the threshold with 25 x 400 before @t100triathlon San Francisco next weekend. by @samappo

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5 months ago

My first foray into the @t100triathlon world tour next week in San Francisco. Big training block almost done. A couple more days on the threshold farm before taper time. 📸 @protriathlontraining by @samappo

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5 months ago

🥁 Drumroll please! 🥁 Our 44th St. Anthony’s Triathlon will be the weekend of April 23–25, 2027! Save the date! And stay tuned for our announcement of registration opening dates. #StAnthonysTri #FindYourFinishLine by @samappo

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5 months ago