russell white

Northern Ireland’s Russell White began as a swimmer before discovering triathlon. Career highlights include World Cup silver in Karlovy Vary and World Series top finishes in Leeds and Rotterdam. Diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2019, he continues to compete with resilience and renewed appreciation for the sport.

Name: Russell White Region: Northern Ireland

Date of Birth: 04/06/1992 Favoured Discipline: Swimming, but now the variety of all three disciplines is a welcomed change.

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Russell Story

Originally growing up as a swimmer, I tried a triathlon for fun before leaving school and heading to university as swimming wasn’t taking me to the places I wanted to go with sport. After my first race, I was picked up by Triathlon Ireland’s Talent Identification and thrown into the deep end, representing Ireland at a home Junior European Championships in Athlone which I loved.

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.

Russell White

Why do you enjoy competing?

I am a racer at heart. I feel that I have always had an ability to show up on race day. There is something special about the opportunity to leave everything out there.

Inspiration

Throughout my triathlon career, I have been inspired by the small number of Irish Olympic triathletes, which drove me to achieve this same goal. More recently, I have drawn inspiration from my younger self and the stage I consistently competed at, which Ididn’tappreciate fully at the time, but have come to value so much in retrospect.

Greatest Challenge

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease during the 2019 season which hindered my qualification and participation in the Olympic Games that I had worked so hard for. I qualified regardless but I was unable to follow my previous trajectory prior to the sickness and diagnosis. I have since been attempting to manage Crohn’s alongside competing, which has led me to appreciate my previous ability even more.

Season Goals

Get back racing consistently whilst staying healthy. See where my renewed enthusiasm and love for the sport takes me.

Best Result to Date

I am equally tied: Karlovy Vary World Cup 2nd, Leeds World Series 11th, and Rotterdam World Series Grand Final 15th. All of these were the highest / joint highest results by an Irish male, which I also take pride in.

Race you have enjoyed the most

All occasions on the Leeds World Series city centre course as the crowds were some of the best, the course was challenging, and family could watch with it being so close to home.

Top Tips & Advice

There is no ‘wonder session’ that will make a difference. Consistency is key to improvement, so find a manageable load that will allow longevity.

Fun Fact

My family dog is named Oly as we picked him up after the Tokyo Olympics.

Russell wears

The vanquish-x wetsuit

Vanquish-X Wetsuit

Men's Wetsuits

Vanquish-X Wetsuit

The new Vanquish-X takes performance to a completely new level. Highly regarded as one of the best triathlon wetsuits in the world, the key selling features of the Vanquish have not changed. This wetsuit is designed for triathletes looking to get the most out of their performance and feeling fresh before getting on the bike.

Available Sizes:

S ST SM ML M L XL

$1,345.00