To celebrate International Women’s Day, World Triathlon is proud to recognise some of the incredible women who shape and strengthen our sport around the world.

Across this special series, we highlight women who embody the spirit of this year’s theme: Give to Gain. Through their leadership, mentorship and commitment to the global triathlon community, these women demonstrate that when we give our time, knowledge and support, we create opportunities for others to grow and thrive.

Because when we give, we gain. Together, we can help forge gender equality through abundant giving.

In this feature, we speak with Claire Cashmore, Paralympic champion in para swimming and Paralympic medallist in Para Triathlon and one of the most inspiring figures across both sports. Recently becoming a mother, Claire continues to demonstrate resilience, balance and determination both in sport and in life.

How has becoming a mother reshaped your perspective as an athlete?
Although I am still very early on in my motherhood journey, it has already given me a completely new perspective on sport and life in general.

Before becoming a mum, I would wake up every morning and the most important part of my day was the training session ahead, what times I was going to hit and how the session would go.

Now there is this little bundle of joy who has come into my life and completely stolen my heart. Looking after them becomes the priority and the triathlon part almost comes secondary.

It really makes you realise there are so many more important things in the world. It’s a super special journey.

What barriers still exist for women and para athletes in sport?
Unfortunately, there still seem to be many barriers for women and particularly for para athletes, when it comes to getting involved in sport and triathlon.

The challenge now is continuing to find ways to break down those barriers so that more women and para athletes have the opportunity to experience everything sport can offer.

The more we create inclusive pathways and visible role models, the more we can help open the door for the next generation.

What does resilience mean to you in both sport and life?
Resilience, for me, means showing up when the times are tough.

It’s those moments when you really don’t want to get out of bed, when it’s cold, wet and difficult, but you still get up, get out there and give it your best.

Your 100% on that day might only be 30% of what you’re capable of on your best day, but it’s still 100% of what you can give in that moment. And that’s what really matters.

What message would you share with women balancing family, work and ambition?
The key thing I would say to anyone trying to balance family, work, sport and everything else is the importance of having a strong support network around you.

It really helps to know that it can be done.

Organisation and forward planning are also important, anything that can help make life a little bit easier and allow you to keep moving forward. And one final piece of advice? Stop doom scrolling on Instagram.

This International Women’s Day, World Triathlon celebrates the women who continue to shape our sport through leadership, mentorship and action. Because when one woman gives, the entire community gains.

Across this series, led by World Triathlon and the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, we celebrate the women whose contributions continue to shape a more inclusive, supportive and equitable future for triathlon worldwide