Loretta Harrop started her sporting career as a swimmer and took up triathlon when she was 21 years old. She progressed quickly and was selected in the national team within a year, becoming a World Champion by the age of 24.

Harrop won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and also placed fifth at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Loretta also competed in the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. Other career highlights include winning gold at the 1999 Montreal ITU World Triathlon Championships and silver in Madeira in 2004 as well as twelve world cup victories. In 2004 she won the prestigious Life Time Fitness triathlon, a race where she competed against men for the sport's richest purse.

Via triathlonqld.com.au.