Insights from the Female Coaches in Triathlon – Status Study and Development Plan (2025)
World Triathlon Development continues to highlight the importance of women in coaching, as identified in the Female Coaches in Triathlon – Status Study and Development Plan (2025), through a series of interviews with women coaches from across the world.
The study provides a clear picture of both progress and persistent challenges, underscoring the need for greater opportunities, visibility, and support for women across all levels of triathlon.
While pathways into coaching are expanding, female coaches continue to navigate unique challenges that shape their journeys, leadership styles, and long-term sustainability in the profession. Beyond data, policy, and recommendations, the study reinforces the importance of personal stories—voices that bring lived experience to the forefront.
In this video series, World Triathlon introduces coaches whose journeys reflect the realities identified in the research. Their experiences provide context, inspiration, and practical insight for current and aspiring coaches across the global triathlon community.
Coach Spotlight: Riana Robertson (RSA)
Riana Robertson is a former elite athlete turned coach whose journey reflects resilience, growth, and quiet determination. Now well established in the coaching space, Riana has spent several years working within the National Federation system, steadily building both confidence and credibility.
As a coach, mother, and wife, Riana speaks openly about learning to “use her voice” over time—developing the courage to advocate for herself, her athletes, and her coaching philosophy. Her story reflects many of the themes identified in the Female Coaches in Triathlon – Status Study and Development Plan (2025), including persistence, adaptability, and the ongoing balance between professional ambition and personal life.
Key Themes Explored in the Interview
Learning the Hard Way
Riana reflects on the most challenging lessons she has faced as a female coach—moments that tested her confidence and shaped her growth within the profession.
Barriers Along the Pathway
From structural limitations to cultural expectations, she discusses the barriers encountered throughout her coaching career and how these experiences influenced her development.
Thriving in Male-Dominated Environments
Resilience emerges as a defining theme. Riana shares how perseverance, self-belief, and experience have enabled her to succeed in environments where women remain underrepresented.
Challenging Misconceptions
The interview addresses persistent stereotypes faced by female coaches—such as perceptions of being “too soft” or unable to perform under pressure—and why these assumptions fail to reflect reality.
From Athlete to Coach
Riana highlights the benefits of transitioning from athlete to coach, explaining how performance experience strengthens empathy, decision-making, and athlete connection.
Balancing Coaching and Life
A central theme of the study, work–life balance, is explored through Riana’s experience of managing coaching demands alongside family responsibilities.
Moments That Test a Coach
From supporting injured athletes to shifting negative mindsets, Riana reflects on defining moments that challenged her problem-solving skills, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
Why These Stories Matter
The Female Coaches in Triathlon – Status Study and Development Plan (2025) reinforces that increasing female representation in coaching is not only about access—it is about visibility, voice, and validation. Stories like Riana’s provide meaningful insight into what it truly takes to build a sustainable coaching career, while challenging outdated narratives around leadership and performance.
Watch the full interview video to hear Riana’s reflections in her own words and gain deeper insight into the lived realities behind the research.
Watch the full video here -