British Triathlon has reported a surge in female involvement within the sport, now seeing more females than males take on triathlon as a novice.
It was announced today that nearly 55% of the GO TRI online community, British Triathlon’s beginner product, are female; rising by 11% since 2014. GO TRI offers a low-cost, easy access route into swim, bike and run; breaking many of the perceived barriers that prevent individuals from getting involved.
The statistics follow a similar pattern when looking at novice participation as part of major sporting events. June 2018 witnessed Britain’s largest GO TRI event take place in conjunction with the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds; 372 triathlon beginners toed the line in Roundhay Park on Saturday 9 June, 62% of which were female.
Although there is still work to be done to ensure women progress further in triathlon so they can enjoy a lifetime journey in the sport, evidence does suggest that the number of females showing commitment is on the rise. Female Triathlon England membership has increased by 230% in the past 9 years, with the equivalent figure for males sat at 154% during the same period. Both females aged under 18 and those over 55 represent two of the biggest membership growth areas, showing the sport’s vast appeal.
Some of the key decisions in triathlon are being made by females, with both Triathlon England’s Board and Council recently reporting over 50% female representation, whilst nearly half of British Triathlon staff members are women. Elsewhere outside of pure participation, areas such as female triathlon coaching and volunteering statistics are both showing above national averages within sport.
Jenny Vincent, British Triathlon Head of Participation, said: “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved so far in supporting female participation in triathlon and, whilst we mustn’t become complacent, we feel there have been a real step-change in the sport over the last few years.
“The work of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign has really helped position females in the forefront of sport and British Triathlon will continue to support this movement so even more women can enjoy swim, bike and run, whatever their ambition.”
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO, added: “Following a season of incredible success for our elite female athletes, it’s fantastic to report the great progress being made at grassroots level.
“With the introduction of mixed team relay to the Olympic programme, triathlon as a sport is working hard to tackle gender inequality; something we will continue so that more and more females can enjoy this fantastic sport.”
For more on the support British Triathlon have given to women’s participation, visit https://www.britishtriathlon.org/thisgirlcan
Interested in getting involved in triathlon for the first time? To learn more about GO TRI, visit https://www.gotri.org/
