AGFL Triathlon Episode 117: Sloane Tilley, Tar Heel, Top Gunz Athlete, and Biologist

In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Sloan Tilley. Sloane is a member of the Top Gunz Triathlon team and the founder of DIA, a biotech company developing a real-time, non-invasive cortisol sensor. She got into triathlon through an intro class in college and has been competing for 8 years. Sloane suffered a major bike accident early in her triathlon career, resulting in multiple injuries and surgeries that took four years to fully recover from. Her company DIA aims to provide cortisol data as an additional stream to integrate with training platforms for personalized training optimization. Sloane enjoys the journey of consistent training, recently qualified for Boston Marathon, and is currently focusing on 70.3 distance races. Thanks for joining us Sloane and congrats on your recent 70.3 finish in Mont Tremblant! --- Show Notes: Topics- Sloane's Background and Introduction to Triathlon • Originally from North Carolina, got into triathlon towards end of undergrad at UNC • Took an intro to triathlon training class, signed up for first sprint race, then joined UNC tri team • Not particularly athletic growing up, but found triathlon appealing as it just requires going in one direction Bike Accident and 4-Year Recovery Journey • Got hit by a car about 1 year into triathlon, suffering 3 broken vertebrae and a broken leg • Took 2 months of bed rest, followed by long recovery with multiple knee surgeries over 4 years • Grateful to get back to consistent training and see incremental gains after the long journey DIA - Sloane's Biotech Company • Developing first real-time, non-invasive cortisol sensor to measure stress levels • Initial users will be elite/pro athletes, NCAA teams, and Department of Defense for soldier readiness • Goal is to provide cortisol data stream to integrate with existing training platforms for personalized optimization • Could expand to other hormone biomarkers and applications like weight loss, mental health, etc. Balancing Training and Business • Tries to get in morning workout before work, focuses on quality over quantity when traveling • Enjoys riding bikes when traveling for work, like during pilot test with pro cycling team in Spain • Recently qualified for Boston Marathon, currently targeting 70.3 distance races Next Steps • Continue developing and testing DIA's cortisol sensor technology • Explore partnerships with researchers and clinicians for various applications • Maintain consistent training while managing business travel demands • Prepare for upcoming 70.3 race at Mont-Tremblant