Sophie Kirk
Triathlete
Sophie Kirk is an age group triathlete who started the sport in 2015. Previously a member of the GB orienteering junior squad and a club swimmer as a child, taking up cycling was the final hurdle. She is now a 2x Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier and has podiumed at every 70.3 event she has competed in.
- IM 70.3 Italy 2019 – 1st AG 25-29
"Forth has allowed me to track the changes in my body under high training loads. This has been especially helpful when returning to Europe from Thailand. Changes in climate, nutrition, and training focus all create changes in my biomarkers. It has been important to use this to keep levels normal as far as possible and know when my body is still under high stress from travel, racing, or training. I am looking forward to tracking over time especially going into my first winter training in the UK for a couple of years."
Sophie has been involved in many sports over the years from swimming to orienteering/cross country and now triathlon.
At University, triathlon became extremely popular and with many of her friends taking up cycling it seemed like the next logical step.
After an initial fear of cycling downhill due to an unfortunate accident, qualifying for the GB age group team became the initial goal. Qualifying for the World Duathlon and Triathlon Championships in her first year of triathlon was a dream come true.
Since then Sophie has focused on the 70.3 distance, competing across the world. More recently she has split her time between the UK for summer and Thailand for the winter alongside Jurgen Zack’s squad in Phuket.
Training with (although some distance behind) professionals and competing in the iconic race which is Laguna Phuket Triathlon. Completing 8 x Ironman 70.3’s never finishing off the podium, she has now qualified twice for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships (South Africa & St George, US).
She is also a member of Team Hatch, a charity team that raises money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in memory of Emma Hatchley. This gives every race she competes in more ‘why’ and as Sophie says, ‘…it is great to be part of such an awesome and supportive team.’
Sophie's Favourites
A. Normally rice or sweet potato with chicken & salad/veg. Also never say no to pre-race cake or icecream!
A. Anything chocolate!
A. I currently have a playlist from my training days in Thailand, and that normally goes on during any hard session!
A. I don't have the best knowledge of superheroes but how about Iron....woman?!
