She obviously enjoys racing but publicity is a factor, surely.
Winning the odd IM then coming 2nd in Kona is no way to ‘breakthrough’ into wider consciousness. Chrissie barely managed it after 4 Kona wins. You can only race 2/3 a year, fine if you have a long CV behind you but less so if you’re mid 20s.
She’s a professional athlete; having been a swimmer then moving onto IM I suspect she’d have no qualms about moving on from IM if the rewards - racing satisfaction and ££££ are greater.
It’s a great curve ball to lob into the race…good luck to her.