We caught up with elite triathlete Desirae Ridenour, fresh off her win at Elite National Championships, to share some of her race experiences as well as her pathway from youth triathlete to international powerhouse.

Can you share a bit about your lead up to Nationals, and how the race unfolded?

Before Nationals I was situated back at home in Cowichan Bay for a couple of weeks. Previous to that, I was in Banyoles, Spain training and racing for 6 weeks.

Didn’t have the best swim in Montreal. It was a different start than we usually do (hip deep in water holding onto a rope), and I got dragged down and stuck with someone stealing my water for most of the swim. Still made the front group and worked well together throughout the 20km. I did make some attacks to drop some people who weren’t working. Onto the run I sat on for 750m before picking up the pace and soloing the remaining 4km.

You have been competing on the Conti and World Cup circuit for a number of years now, what are some of your highlights from racing around the world? 

Competing at the commonwealth 2018 games and 2019 pan am games are some of my career highlights. As well as the European Cups in Wels and Kitzbühel of this year.

While there are lots of highlights within racing, there are often challenges too… Can you share some of the challenges in your career that you’ve dealt with and how you overcame them?

In 2021 I sustained a stress reaction in my left hip which took me out for a full year. I started training regularly again in 2022 but then got long covid which took me out for another year as I was dealing with prolonged complications.

Can you share a bit of your history: How did you get started, what got you into triathlon?

I’ve been doing triathlon since I was 4. One of my older sisters was doing triathlon and I followed in her footsteps.

Were you part of a club or training group when you were younger (under-16)?

Yes as a Junior I trained in Kelly’s Kids which is run by Kelly Guest.

What is the most important skill you learned or developed as a young athlete?

Transition skills was something I mastered early on and has helped me immensely in my elite racing

You competed in both the BC Summer Games, or Canada Summer Games – what was your favourite memory of the games?

My favorite memory from the Canada Summer Games was coming together as a team. Triathlon is an individual sport, but it truly felt like we came together as a team, supporting each other every step of the way to reach that top spot.

You competed at World Championships as Junior – what was it like to compete at such a big event as a junior?

Competing at Worlds as a junior is a very cool experience. It was a great stepping stone into the international stage and provided a great opportunity to meet and compete against athletes from all over the world.

As we head into the fall, what is your world like – what does the average day look like for you training wise?

Currently, I’m in my off season and will be building back fitness in the winter months. I train 2-3 times a day for an approximate total of 20hrs a week. I’m also back at university at UVIC so will be balancing school and training this winter.

Who is your sporting Idol?

My future self; who I aspire to be

What is your favourite pre race, and post race meal?

Pre race would be oatmeal or creamy rice.

Post race definitely a burger and fries.

What’s on your pre race, or training, playlist?

Mostly rap

What advice would you have for any younger athletes starting their triathlon journey?

Never stop having fun and make training as enjoyable as possible