Russell White entered a local triathlon as a break from competitive swim training and won the race. That sparked his interested in competing in triathlon and he was later selected as a member of the Irish Squad following a trial at one of Triathlon Ireland’s Talent Identification Days in 2010.
White made an almost instant impact following his switch to the world of multisport including a victory at the London Junior Elite Triathlon. Russell went on to the senior ranks with his debut in the World Triathlon Series in 2014 and finished 18th in the U23 World Championships.
Russell has had a steady trajectory of progression through his senior career with stand out performances with 11th at Leeds World Series in 2016, 15th place at the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Rotterdam, (both the highest finishes at each level by an Irish Male) and a Silver (2nd) at Karlovy Vary World Cup 2018 becoming one of only three Irish triathletes ever to medal at a World Cup.
He has competed at 2x Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018) and the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021.
Unfortunately in 2019 he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease which he managed to battle through the pandemic and still confirm Olympic Qualification for Tokyo, albeit having a big effect on his performances with the condition taking a toll on his body.
Russell took extremely unwell in 2022 with his Crohn’s condition resulting in him being hospitalised for 16days and loosing 10kg’s in the space of 9days. Thankfully after a time away from the sport, to return to good health, he is back competing and is starting to show a return to previous form with 3x top 20 World Cup finishes in 2023.
Viewing it as a privilege to be back racing on the World Stage, it is commendable to see him battle this now life long condition and show that it is still possible to chase ambitions at the highest level with what ever cards one is dealt.
Russell is now based in Leeds, Uk training in a profession training group with Alistair and Jonny Brownlee and current female World Champion Beth Potter.
Highlights
- 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games
- 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games
- 11th 2016 Leeds World Series
- 3x top 15 World Series results
- 15th 2017 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Rotterdam,
- 2nd and 8th 2018,2019 Karlovy Vary World Cup,
- 3x Irish National Champion.
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