Felicity Sheedy-Ryan had always been a sporty person and competed in her first triathlon in 2002.

FELICITY Sheedy-Ryan competed in her first triathlon in 2002 and hasn’t looked back. She had been a passionate sportswoman since the age of three, starting out in gymnastics and going on to find her lifelong love of long-distance running.

In this exclusive interview Felicity, born and raised in Australia, talks about some of her triathlon highs and what and who keep her motivated in the sport.

To find out more about Felicity visit www.felicitysheedy-ryan.com.

When did you start out in triathlon and what had been any previous sporting successes you had?

I did my first triathlon back in 2002. I was a swimmer for my dads corporate team. Ironically, because I didn’t swim back then! I loved it so much I wanted to do the whole thing. I did, and  then I have never looked back! I probably started some ‘proper’ triathlon training in 2003.

Prior to triathlons I had succeeded in long distance running, cross country, and fun runs. I also played A grade netball, but most of my young years were spent doing gymnastics! I started when I was three and wanted to go to the Olympics for gymnastics first!

Who have been your biggest mentors and inspirations during your triathlon career?

One of the biggest influences on my triathlon career had to be my dad! He is just so into it, and sports, and has been my biggest number one supporter.

All my coaches have mentored me, and had an influence on me in some way. Grant Landers looked after me for the majority of my athletic career and I learnt a lot about my mental, and my body capabilities through him. Whereas my more recent coaches Chris Pilone and Kris Gemmell opened my eyes to a whole new way of doing things and to see the process and bigger picture and how it all interlinks. How to be smarter.

To find out more about Felicity visit www.felicitysheedy-ryan.com.

All have helped me progress and learn different things and… I hope! haha develop me into a better athlete today.

Inspiration – I think Loretta Harrop’s Olympic Silver medal at Athens, was one of the gutsiest performances I have seen.

Loretta Harrop and that performance, set myself a great example guts and determination, all out racing. Risk and reward.

Felicity has won world titles in sport as well as other accolades.

What have been your biggest triathlon successes to date?

Winning the 2015 ITU World Cup in Tiszaujavaros was a massive highlight, and a race I am proud of.

Winning a World Title in 2012! –  World Duathlon Champs and Winning Bussleton 70.3 Half Ironmann twice.

Being selected as a member of the Elite World Champs teams.

Running has been Felicity’s lifelong passion.

In which area of triathlon do you excel at and where do you have to work the hardest?

Running is definitely my strength and weapon. Swimming doesn’t come so naturally to me. I always have to work hard to keep up I the water,

Will you be competing at Rio and how hard have you been training to get there?

No, disappointingly, I was not picked for Rio. Though I was working extremely hard to get there! I encountered some hurdles, and though I tried my best, things didn’t quite pan out how I would have liked. That is just sport unfortunately.

Despite narrowly missing out on a place at Rio, Felicity is enthusiastic about her future in the sport.

If you could sum up your life philosophy in no more than 15 words what would those words be?

For me: Life balance is key! Stay happy, positive, and treat others how you want to be treated.