Taylor Knibb JUST escapes littering PENALTY before T100 triumph in Dubai

Taylor Knibb ‘relieved’ to avoid penalty after winning $100,000 Super League Triathlon title in Dubai

Taylor Knibb has been blessed with luck after she was victorious in the opening round of the Super League Triathlon in Dubai. The American athlete undoubtedly left her litter on the course - but unbelievably, she escaped with only a warning.

Knibb, who is considered as one of the favourites for triathlon gold at Paris 2024, accidentally dropped her water bottle outside of the designated area as she entered the transition area during the women's race.

Officials took decisive action and issued Knibb with a yellow card - the first of the season - but she avoided a 10-second penalty, and she continued on to win the race in style.

According to the Super League Triathlon website, the littering rule was introduced in 2023 ‘to encourage athletes to act responsibly and to help preserve the environment,’ and it prohibits discarding water bottles or food packaging outside designated zones.

After the victory, Knibb expressed her relief at avoiding a penalty. “I'm relieved to not get a penalty. I didn't even realise I had dropped my bottle until after the race,” she said. “I was just focused on racing and trying to win.”

Knibb's victory in Dubai is a sign of her return to form after a difficult 2022 season, and she will now be one of the favourites for the Super League Triathlon title.