The Rise of Women in Triathlon
Triathlon – swim, bike, run, and (let’s be honest) survive. It’s a sport that demands endurance, grit, and a slightly questionable sense of fun. And while women have always embodied these qualities, their presence in triathlon hasn’t always been as prominent as it is now. But that’s changing. More women than ever are getting involved, shaking up the scene, and proving that endurance racing isn’t just for the guys.
On International Women’s Day, we’re here to celebrate the rise of women in triathlon – the pioneers, the game-changers, and the everyday athletes who are redefining what’s possible. Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth transitions and negative splits. There are still hurdles to overcome, but the momentum is undeniable.
More Women, More Triathlons
Over the years, female participation in triathlon has steadily increased. In the UK, women now make up around 32% of triathletes – though those numbers start thinning out as race distances stretch. Globally, women now account for 25-40% of participants. Thanks to initiatives like SheRACES and Fund Her Tri, those numbers keep climbing.
IRONMAN has also stepped up. Creating more opportunities for female triathletes, improving access to resources, and making sure women feel like they belong on the start line. Because spoiler alert: they do.
But participation isn’t the only issue – there’s a gap in support, sponsorship, and visibility for female triathletes. Despite the rising number of women in the sport, race funding and sponsorship deals are still geared towards male athletes and events. Even at the highest levels, women sometimes have to fight harder for the same opportunities – whether it’s race coverage, sponsorship deals, or media recognition.
Then there’s the issue of perception. Men can often be celebrated for their confidence, competitiveness, and boldness on the course. However, women sometimes face criticism for the very same traits. It’s something female triathletes are actively pushing back against.
But here’s the thing – the movement is growing. Women’s races are gaining more traction, and the call for equal investment in female athletes is getting louder.
What Race Directors Can Do
It’s not just about getting women to the start line – it’s about making sure they have everything they need to race at their best. Race organisers play a huge role in shaping the experience for female triathletes, and there are a few key changes that could make a real difference:
- Sanitary Products in Transition & Kit Bags: It seems like a no-brainer, but how many races provide these as standard? Having sanitary products available at transition stations and in event bags ensures no athlete is caught off guard.
- More Female Race Marshals & Officials: Having women in key officiating roles helps create an environment where female athletes feel represented and supported.
- Better Changing & Toilet Facilities: Women need access to private, clean, and well-maintained changing areas. Ensuring adequate facilities is a basic but often overlooked necessity.
- Reassessing Cut-Off Times: Women often have different physiological race strategies. Ensuring cut-off times are inclusive allows more female athletes to compete at all distances without unnecessary barriers.
Women Who Tri – And Keep Tri-ing
Behind every female triathlete is a story of determination, resilience, and at least one questionable training decision (5 AM swims in winter). Here are just a few inspiring women who’ve carved their own paths in the sport:
Sika Henry
In 2013, Sika Henry competed in her first local sprint triathlon. Her journey is about more than just personal success. it highlights the racial and socioeconomic barriers in endurance sports and the importance of representation. After a gruesome bike crash during the 2019 Ironman 70.3 Galveston race, Sika thought her career was over. She received incredible support from those following her journey and realised her mission was important to them and that it mattered. She kept going and two years later became the first U.S. Black female professional triathlete.
Beyond racing, she’s been a vocal advocate for diversity in endurance sports. Encouraging more Black athletes to take up triathlon and showing young girls of colour that they belong in the sport, too.
Jenny Hinshaw
A collegiate swimmer turned triathlete; Jenny Hinshaw faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. But instead of letting it define her; she fought through treatment and came back stronger crossing the Ironman finish line just two years later. She has since gone on to finish more Ironman races and has a few marathons under her belt. Jenny didn’t stop there; she has since gone on to raise thousands of pounds for cancer charities often competing in events with organisations such as Team in Training.
Her journey is a testament to the power of sport – not just as a personal challenge but as a way to heal, inspire, and give back.
Lesley Paterson
Lesley Paterson isn’t just a triathlete – she’s a force of nature. Born in Scotland, she kicked off her sporting career by playing rugby with the boys (literally the only girl among 250 players). When that door closed, she simply sprinted through another – into the world of running and, eventually, triathlon.
Now, let’s talk about that swim leg. It wasn’t exactly love at first stroke. In fact, the water almost ended her triathlon dreams entirely. But instead of throwing in the towel, she found a new way to race – off-road. Enter XTERRA triathlons, where she could swap pool lanes for trails and mountain bikes. And guess what? That switch led her to five world titles – three XTERRA World Championships and two ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships.
Oh, but she didn’t stop there. Because why just be a world-class athlete when you can also be an award-winning screenwriter? In her spare time (because clearly, she has some), Lesley co-wrote and produced All Quiet on the Western Front, the Oscar-winning film that took Hollywood by storm. Yep, she literally trained for races while hustling to get a war epic onto the big screen.
So, to sum up: Lesley Paterson can run, bike, swim, win world titles, and write Oscar-winning films. If that’s not inspiration, we don’t know what is.
The Struggles Still Lining Up at the Start
Despite all the progress, female triathletes still face unique barriers – some of which start way before race day. One of the biggest culprits? Swimming. Studies show that swimming has one of the highest dropout rates for female athletes, with body image concerns being a major factor. (Wearing a skin-tight suit in public? Not exactly everyone’s idea of a good time). Media portrayal of female athletes doesn’t help, either. Coverage often focuses on appearance over performance, subtly reinforcing the idea that women’s success in sport is secondary to how they look doing it.
The Road Ahead
So, what’s next? More representation, more conversations about body confidence, and more inclusive environments that make women feel like they belong – because they do.
Brands, sponsors, and race organisers all have a role to play in making this happen.
Here’s to the Women Who Tri
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who show up, push boundaries, and cross finish lines (sometimes crawling, but hey – it still counts). The future of triathlon is bright, and as more women step up to the start line, the sport only gets stronger.
To the race directors – think about what your event is doing to support women. To the brands – back these athletes with real investment. To the women who have doubted themselves – you belong here. Let’s keep pushing, because the future of triathlon is ours to shape.
Explore Our Athlete ID
At Sportstiks, we’re proud to support triathletes of all levels – because every competitor deserves recognition, from first-time racers to seasoned pros. If you’re organising an event, let’s make sure your athletes start strong and finish proud.
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