Meet Ella Chalmers

Meet Triathlete Ella Chalmers

Hello, I am Ella Chalmers, I’m 18 years old and I train and compete in Triathlon. I have been a swimmer with Ythan Amateur Swimming Club since the age of 7 and started doing triathlon when I was 12 with Trythan Triathlon Club. I’m now in the Triathlon Scotland Academy Performance Pathway Squad, which sees me competing around Britain in the British Triathlon Super Series.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

My dad did his first triathlon in 2017, which I loved watching and inspired me to give it a try.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

I started my Triathlon sporting journey with Trythan Triathlon Club.

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

The biggest challenge in my sporting journey has been when Covid 19 hit. Trying to fit in 3 sports when only being allowed outside for an hour a day was difficult. This was overcome by starting cycling on a turbo trainer instead of outside and making a homemade endless pool, thanks to my Dads creation!

What are your goals for the coming year?

My goals for this year are to try and place Top 10 in a race at the British Super Series for the Junior age group and Top 20 overall.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

My training programme involves around 14-17 hours a week of training. This is about 6.5 hours of swimming, 5 hours of cycling, 3 hours of running and 2 hours of strength and conditioning. This varies depending on competitions and goals in the week.

I am in my first year at Uni and work as a swimming teacher, so it’s busy trying to fit training, Uni and work in, however I manage to find enough time each week to chill!

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

I am quite a patient person, which really helps in Triathlon. This is because not every race or training day goes well, so having patience means I continue training as well as I can and I continue building up and improving, knowing that a successful race will come soon.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

I hope to compete in 8 races this year.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

I try to keep a positive mindset and take the good parts from each training session and race, instead of focussing on the bad parts.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

My biggest inspiration from the world of sport is Beth Potter, a triathlete from Scotland who came 3rd at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

My greatest achievement in Triathlon would either be competing for Scotland at the UK School Games in 2022, where I competed in the individual and Relay which we came 3rd in, or being reserve for the Youth Commonwealth Games 2023.

What helps you to stay motivated and focused during your training?

My teammate’s who I train with and my coaches help me stay motivated and focused during my training, along with having the focus of future races too.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, take each day/ training session as it comes and start slowly, building up!

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

My Talented Athlete Pass will allow me to use extra pool time and gym time to fit in with my University schedule, enabling me to complete all my training sessions.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

Trythan Triathlon Club Website and Facebook/Instagram page, Triathlon Scotland Website and Facebook/Instagram Page or my Triathlon Instagram account-  tri_ellac