On History: Lisa Tertsch Wins Olympic Gold with Germany Relay Team

Paris, France, August 5, 2024—In a thrilling finish-line sprint, German triathlete Lisa Tertsch made history as the first On athlete to win gold at the Olympic Games. This victory came in the mixed relay event, where Germany triumphed over formidable competition from the USA and Great Britain.

The mixed relay event followed the individual races held earlier in the week. Teams of four athletes completed a 300m swim, a two-lap 7km bike ride, and a two-lap 1.8km run before handing over to their teammates. On athletes representing their respective federations included Lisa Tertsch (GER), Julie Derron (SUI), Max Studer (SUI), Pierre Le Corre (FRA), Verena Steinhauser (ITA), Alberto Garcia Gonzales (ESP) and Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR).

Lisa Tertsch, having suffered a fall in the individual race, was the second member of Team Germany to dive into the Seine River for the 300m swim. With a strategic swim, Tertsch closed the gap on Great Britain's Georgia Taylor-Brown and remained close as the first transition approached. Following the second transition, Tertsch overtook Taylor-Brown, propelling Germany into the lead by the third handover.

Germany's Laura Lindemann edged past Great Britain's Beth Potter and the USA's Taylor Knibb to secure Germany's first triathlon medal in 16 years.

Finding her words after the race, Tertsch said:

"I don't really have words for it. It all feels a bit overwhelming, but I am super happy! It feels like a bit of a redemption after the individual race. I just wanted to have another chance to fight and show what I have in me and I am glad I could show that today."

Olivier Bernhard, On co-founder and former triathlete, commented on the significance of the moment for the Swiss sportswear brand:

"Watching Lisa Tertsch celebrate on the podium today is incredible. This is the first Olympic gold medal for an On athlete, something we dreamed of 14 years ago when we first founded On. This moment embodies our relentless pursuit of excellence and shows what can happen when we all dream together. We are profoundly grateful to have Lisa as part of the On team and look forward to celebrating this historic achievement together."

Julie Derron and Max Studer represented Team Switzerland and delivered impressive performances. Studer stayed close to Great Britain's Alex Yee during the first leg, handing over to Derron in second place. Derron, already an individual silver medalist, put Switzerland in third position before passing the baton to Sylvain Fridelance. Despite their strong efforts, Switzerland finished seventh with a time of 1:27.16.

Maria Ortega, Triathlon Athlete Manager at On, praised the Swiss athletes:

"Julie and Max showed the world that Switzerland produces some of the best triathletes. Just missing the podium is always bittersweet, but they should both be delighted with their amazing performances today."

A fall on the first lap of the bike course dashed Pierre Le Corre’s and France’s hopes for a medal. Le Corre valiantly continued, helping his team recover to finish fourth with a time of 1:26.47.

Ortega also commended Le Corre's resilience:

"We're proud of Pierre's performance today. The fall was unfortunate, but he pushed through to help his team in front of his home crowd. It may not be the result he hoped for, but we’re proud to have Pierre as part of the On family and look forward to supporting him in the World Championship Series."

Results

About On

On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fourteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.

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