American star Katie Zaferes will be missing from elite competition for a little while, but she could not be happier after announcing she is expecting a baby.

Katie and husband Tommy, a leading tri photographer, made the happy announcement on social media, revealing that their first child is due in July 2022.

Katie Zaferes on baby joy

Writing in an Instagram post, Katie said: “We’re so excited and feel very grateful to be expecting a little one in early July.

“This life change has been such a learning experience. Many pieces amazing but also really challenging- and I know that is just going to continue. I look forward to this new adventure so much.

“The plan now is to focus on this little one, stay in contact with triathlon, do things I haven’t had the opportunity to do while training and racing full time and really just enjoy this period.”

Katie, now 32, is coming off a 2021 which mixed profound sadness with joy as she went through all the emotions in a rollercoaster 12 months.

She was devastated by the sudden death of her father Bill Hursey in April, in the countdown to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Katie would stand on the podium twice in the Japanese capital, claiming bronze in the individual race and silver as part of the United States team in the Mixed Relay.