With International Women's Day on the horizon, we've taken a moment to highlight 10 inspiring women we should ALL be following in 2019. It was a tough decision to shortlist it down to just 10, with so many talented amateur and elite level athletes to choose from, so without further ado, here are our favourite inspiring women who are making serious waves this year.
Kiera McVitty – Pro Cyclist
Kiera is a young gun in pro cycling, but she’s got an age of experience and love for cycling behind her. Riding since she was just 12, Kiera turned professional in 2017 and hasn’t looked back. She is determined to get to the top and to encourage and inspire others to jump on a bike on her way there - especially female cyclists. At just 23 years old, she’s certainly one to watch. Check out Kiera's YouTube channel and keep track of her in 2019.
Radka Vodickova Kahlefeldt – Ironman/Triathlete & Zone3 Ambassador
Zone3 Ambassador, Radka, is certainly one to watch for 2019. Her domination of Ironman 70.3 over the past 7 months, including wins at Ironman 70.3 Davao, Philippines (Asia-Pacific Championships) and Ironman 70.3 Taupo and New Zealand inspired us all. Not only is Radka the queen of Ironman right now but she is a super mum with a master’s degree in sports science, showing the world that nothing will get in the way of ambition.
Claire Cashmore – Paralympian Swimmer & Zone3 Ambassador
The Paralympic champion swimmer and 2016 Gold and Silver Medallist isnot only storming the world of swimming but she’s a formidable ambassador for disability sport. When she’s not training for Tokyo 2020, she’s sharing her experience and giving motivational talks to adults and children or visiting schools. Keep an eye on Claire on the lead up to the 2020 Paralympic Games.
Non Stanford – Triathlete/ Olympian/World Champion & Zone3 Ambassador
Ranking number 15 in the World Triathlon Series, she’s an Olympian and a Triathlon World Champion but that’s only the beginning. In the run-up to Tokyo 2020 all eyes are on Non to give a world class performance to qualify for her second Olympics. One of the newest pro triathletes to join the Zone3 team, we’re saying a warm welcome and we will be cheering her on all the way to the finish line!
Sophie Radcliffe – Adventurer & trail runner
If an all-round athlete and true adventurer inspires you, then check out Sophie’s list of incredible achievements. The two-time Ironman finisher, 100km ultra-marathon runner and climber is a force to be reckoned with. She is ‘the only person in history to have climbed the highest mountains in the eight Alpine countries and cycled between them, climbing five times the height of Mount Everest in 32 days.’ When she’s not climbing, Sophie’s blur might be seen zooming from London to Paris, a feat she’s completed nine times, and in 24 hours. We’re exhausted just thinking about it all.Sophie is on a mission to see ‘ordinary people’ achieve extraordinary things. So, what have you got planned for 2019? (Take a look at Sophie's website.)
Samantha Briggs- CrossFit Champion and 2013 Fittest Woman on Earth
Samantha is the British Queen of CrossFit, a passionate and motivated athlete hell-bent on achieving greatness and someone who pushes herself to her limits. The 2013 CrossFit winner and 2018 2nd Fittest Woman on Earth podium athlete, Samantha has her 2013 title back in her sights and she’s going to fight her hardest to get there again. Her determination is truly inspiring and now that CrossFit Games season is well on its way, we’re going to keep a close watch on her progress until the grand finale in August.
Dr Hazel Wallace – Doctor, Author and Health Influencer
Everyone should be following Dr Hazel Wallace, a qualified medical doctor who has founded the education platform 'The Food Medic'. This platform works to ‘bridge the gap between traditional medical advice and the latest thoughts and developments in nutrition and other areas of lifestyle.’ She’s certainly the medical professional we’ve all been waiting for; recommending recipes and offering advice not just based around weight and gains but focused on health and lifestyle. So, for inspiration, recipes, workouts, podcasts and reliable information about life, health (mental and physical) and nutrition, follow Dr Hazel Wallace, The Food Medic.
Emily Young – Ironman, Triathlete, Pilates Instructor, Coach-in-training & Zone3 Ambassador
Emily describes herself as a health and fitness enthusiast, which seems like an understatement when you find out she was the winner of her age group at the Ironman Taiwan which fulfilled her ultimate life goal - to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona 2019. The down-to-earth 25-year-old competed in her first Ironman when she was 21, having only ever done a Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon before. From that day she has been hooked, competing in an Ironman every year since! Despite this drive and determination to win, she claims she doesn’t want to join a team but that she loves the individual nature of the sport. Emily humbly describes herself as an ‘amateur triathlete, a Pilates instructor, nutrition and lifestyle coach in training, recipe developer, and blogger’. With sights on a good time in a 70.3 Ironman and a personal best for Kona in October, Emily proves that you don’t need to be a pro to be a winner. Check out Emily's Youtube channel.
Daniela Bleymehl – Ironman Champion & Zone3 Ambassador
For ultimate inspiration, look no further than Daniela, a ‘proud mom’ and an absolute powerhouse who seems to live on the podium. In 2018 she dominated Ironman Italy and Challenge Roth, in 2017 she found gloryat Ironman Hamburg and in 2015 it was Ironman Mallorca. Since 2009 she has claimed more than 15 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in triathlon and now she has Kona in her sights.
Daniela subscribes to a life of 100% passion, humility and keeping friends and family close, as well as ‘hard, persistent and purposeful training’ – this her recipe for success and one we can certainly all follow. Join us as we follow Daniela to Kona.
Tashi Skervinclarke - Running Coach and Personal Trainer
Tashi Skervin-Clarke is a running coach and personal trainer whose workout videos leave us feeling exhausted! With a wealth of experience under her belt and a dedicated following growing larger by the day, we are certain of seeing big things from Tashi this year. Get to know Tashi and follow her journey on Instagram and take a look at her website.
Fenella Langridge – Pro Triathlete & Zone3 Ambassador
Meet the fun-loving, self-declared big kid, lover of food, triathlon and naps - at least we know she promotes the power of rest! With three Ironman 70.3 podiums under her belt, last year saw Fenella take her first Ironman 70.3 victory in Edinburgh. We’re excited to see what she has planned for her 2019. As long as keeps loving what she does we’ll keep watching - thanks for your smiles and positivity Fenella, you inspire us all!
