Long-course triathlete, Nikki Bartlett, was a medal-winning GB University rower before an injury led her to join a friend in a half-IRONMAN triathlon. Despite having little to no swimming, cycling or running experience, she caught the bug and switched from rowing to age group triathlon in 2012. Within three years, Nikki had turned pro and in 2019 she won her first full distance pro title at the notoriously hard IRONMAN Lanzarote, winning by a four-minute margin. Although most of the 2020 race reason was cancelled, in a small window of opportunity last year, the Helvellyn Triathlon was able to go ahead and Nikki added the win to the long list of podium spots she has amassed.
Alongside competing as a professional triathlete, Nikki is also a guide for visually impaired GB para-triathlete, Alison Peasgood, and is looking to compete in this year’s Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
In this Q&A, Nikki chats through a typical training week, the challenges of being a professional athlete in the pandemic, and the mental side of her training, amongst other things.