Best triathlon quotes: Motivation from some of the sport’s best athletes

A good quote can last for an eternity, guiding thousands of people through life and providing serious motivation when its needed most.

While some of the most famous may come from historical figures, film characters and celebrities, sportspeople are also known for putting together a string of poignant words.

Given the sheer volume of training triathletes undertake, having a bit of added motivation to hand never goes amiss. That’s why we compiled some of the best triathlon quotes out there and added them onto the free calendar that shipped with issue 398 of 220 Triathlon (grab your copy here).

In the interest of spreading motivation as far and wide as possible, we’ve also decided to publish this collection of quotes here. So read on and prepare to be inspired by some of the sport’s greatest athletes.

Nicola Spirig, London 2012 Olympic champion

“Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and work hard for what you want to achieve, even in difficult times. It will be worth it.”

Lucy Charles-Barclay, 2021 Ironman 70.3 world champion

“You go through dark periods in a race. Everyone does. You have got to stay so strong in your own head if you want to succeed.”

Dave Scott, six-time Ironman world champion

“If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it, you’ve won your race.”

Gwen Jorgensen, former Olympic and ITU world champion

“You can’t control outcomes, but process or intent, on the other hand, is where big gains can be made.”

Sebastian Kienle, 2014 Ironman world champion

“If it’s hurting me, it’s killing them.”

Chrissie Wellington, four-time Ironman world champion

“The beauty of sport is that it forces you into situations where you must challenge yourself. My best race is the one that hurt the most.”

Chris McCormack, two-time Ironman world champion

“Success in the sport is, above all else, about enduring suffering.”

Mark Allen, six-time Ironman world champion

“You can keep going and your legs might hurt for a week, or you can quit and your mind will hurt for a lifetime.”

Alistair Brownlee, double Olympic gold medallist

“Do the training you love, remind yourself why you do it and hopefully it will come good.”

John Collins, Ironman founder

“You can quit if you want, and no one will care. But you will know the rest of your life.”

Craig Alexander, three-time Ironman world champion

“Preparation is the cornerstone of confidence, which in turn is the cornerstone of success.”

Daniela Ryf, four-time Ironman and five-time 70.3 world champion

“Success doesn’t mean to win everything, but to make the best out of every situation.”

Top image credit: Alexander Koerner/Getty Images for Ironman