The "Give to Gain Philosophy: Building Community in an Individual Sport

This episode of the Podium Racing podcast, hosted by Podium Racing Founder John Anthony, features professional triathletes Sophie Alden (UK), Erika Ackerlund (USA), and Miriam Casillas García (Spain). The conversation centers on the "Give to Gain" philosophy in the context of International Women's Day, exploring how professional athletes support one another and the importance of fostering the next generation of female triathletes.Key Discussion PointsRacing Updates:Miriam Casillas García recounts a tough eighth-place finish in Lanzarote, Spain, characterized by dangerous crosswinds and hilly terrain.Erika Ackerlund shares her experience of a disqualification in China after missing her number on the penalty board, emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining external awareness during high-intensity racing.Sophie Alden provides an update on her recovery from a heel stress fracture, highlighting the mental patience required to rehab during a long UK winter.The "Give to Gain" Philosophy:Despite being "ferocious competitors" on the course, the athletes describe a supportive culture behind the scenes. Erika notes that being open about struggles helps athletes feel less alone.Miriam emphasizes that seeing competitors as humans with lives outside of sport helps combat "imposter syndrome".Mentorship and Visibility for Youth:The athletes discuss the "universal experience" of seeing female participation drop off around age 16.Miriam recalls the lack of female role models in Spain during her youth and now prioritizes speaking at schools and clubs to show young girls that they belong in the sport.Erika highlights the value of having an all-female support team (sports psychologist and physical therapist) to provide a shared perspective.Advice for the Next GenerationThe pros offer several pieces of advice for 16- and 17-year-old athletes entering the sport:Own Your Journey: Sophie stresses that there is no fixed timeline for success; some peak early, while others grow steadily over time.Avoid Comparison: Miriam advises young athletes to avoid comparing themselves to others and instead focus on surrounding themselves with a supportive "team" of family and friends.Community Matters: Erika encourages young women to "keep your girls close," noting that while training with men can be beneficial, the female community provides long-term support.Honesty on Social Media: Sophie advocates for using social media as a tool for "good honest communication" rather than just a highlight reel.