When Chronic Illness Becomes Your Training Partner

Racing with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn's Disease

For many athletes, a chronic illness diagnosis marks the end of competitive dreams. For Izzy Lane and Rob Starr, it became the beginning of something extraordinary.

Izzy Lane was just 19 when doctors delivered a life-changing diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that attacks joints, causing pain and debilitating swelling. Now 28, Izzy has transformed this challenge into a coaching career spanning triathlon, swimming, netball, and rugby.

Her journey began with the Couch to 5K program in 2019, progressing to her first triathlon and eventually the demanding Cotswolds 113 middle-distance event. "If I had advice for anyone dealing with an RA diagnosis, it would be to treat yourself kindly," Izzy shares. "It can be frustrating when you feel unable to do the active things you want to, but often you'll find there are other angles. It's partly why triathlon is such a great sport. Running might be tough at times, but there's always the bike and the pool to opt for."

This flexibility is triathlon's unique gift to athletes with chronic conditions—when one discipline becomes challenging, two others offer alternative paths to fitness and fulfillment. For those looking to start their journey, our 8-week sprint triathlon training plan provides a structured approach that can be adapted to individual needs.

Rob Starr's story takes this concept even further. Diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 18, osteoporosis at 25, and arthritis at 30, Rob discovered that daily sea swimming didn't just manage his symptoms—it eliminated his need for medication entirely.

"Before starting to sea swim for this event I was on a lot of medication, to control my Crohn's disease and arthritis. Within just a few months of being in the sea every day I came off all my medication, it was astonishing how well I suddenly felt," Rob explains.

His transformation sparked a passion for endurance challenges that led to founding the Starr Trust, raising hundreds of thousands for charity, and earning an MBE in 2025. In 2022, he completed an extraordinary feat: 52 triathlons in 52 weeks. His advice resonates with hope: "Most importantly, keep a smile on your face while you're doing it!"

For swimmers looking to enhance their training experience, proper equipment makes a significant difference. Consider investing in high-quality adjustable swim goggles with UV400 protection to protect your eyes during long training sessions.

Trauma to Triumph - The Ultimate Comeback Stories

From Life-Threatening Events to Life-Changing Achievements

Sometimes the most profound transformations emerge from the darkest moments. Brandon Peacock and Ariane Luterman prove that trauma can become the catalyst for extraordinary achievements.

On June 29th, 2020, Brandon Peacock's life changed forever when he became the innocent victim of a drive-by shooting in Canada. Shot three times while simply walking into his barbershop for a routine haircut, Brandon was given a 50/50 chance of surviving the night.

"My doctors told me I'd never walk or run properly again. A neurologist even said I'd never run a marathon—so I ran a half-marathon right after that appointment," Brandon recalls with characteristic determination.

His philosophy embodies the heart of human resilience: "You can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond." Brandon couldn't control whether he survived that night, but he could control his recovery. Today, he uses his platform to help other trauma survivors through his charity, Hit the Ground Running, proving that "humans are capable of far more than we give ourselves credit for."

Ariane Luterman's comeback story takes a different but equally powerful path. After losing close friends and family, then being bedridden for a year with a debilitating illness that left her struggling to walk downstairs, Ariane could have retreated from sport entirely.

Instead, she set an audacious goal: "Go Big Or Go Home!" Her challenge? Six Ironman races on six continents in 12 months to set a new world record. The twist? Before this challenge, Ariane had never completed a marathon or even a half-Ironman distance triathlon.

"The first time I put the distances together was the first event in my record attempt," she admits. Her success proves that setbacks can become launching pads for extraordinary achievements, guided by her belief that "every time I step on to the start line I know I'm going to meet a new version of myself at the finish."

Understanding what constitutes a good Ironman 70.3 time can help athletes set realistic goals for their comeback journey.

Redefining Physical Limitations

How Disability Becomes Ability in Triathlon

The most inspiring aspect of triathlon isn't how it accommodates different abilities—it's how it reveals that physical differences are simply different approaches to the same goal.

Bailey Matthews began his triathlon journey at age eight, competing with cerebral palsy and a walking frame at the Castle Howard junior triathlon. In the final 20 meters, Bailey discarded his frame, tripped on turf, fell, got up, fell again, then crossed the finish line unaided—a moment that went viral and earned him the BBC Sports Personality Helen Rollason Award.

"Training helps in day-to-day life too. My view on cerebral palsy is that I have to stay active to keep it from getting worse. If I don't train, I'm in more pain than if I do," Bailey explains. "Traditional physio bores me, but triathlon gives me a goal and a sense of progress. Now, the gym, swimming, cycling and running are my physio."

Zach Josie faced different but equally significant challenges. Born with Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome, a rare form of disproportionate dwarfism, Zach discovered triathlon in his early 20s after finding team sports challenging.

Despite constant equipment obstacles and years of uncomfortable bike setups, Zach persisted through more than 15 middle-distance finishes and two Ironman races. When custom solutions finally allowed him to race pain-free, he achieved a remarkable 4:47 middle-distance finish—proof that "this oddly-shaped body still has some incredible things left in it."

Zach's motivation extends beyond personal achievement: "My ultimate goal is to bring others like me into this crazy sport," using visibility and representation to push the industry toward greater inclusion.

For athletes requiring specialized equipment, professional-grade tri suits offer the comfort and performance needed for long-distance racing.

Racing in Silence - The Power of Different Perspectives

Oliver Pritchard has been profoundly deaf since birth, but he doesn't view this as a limitation—he sees it as a unique racing advantage. As a Team GB age-group athlete, Oliver has learned to excel by relying entirely on visual cues and body language.

"Racing with 'DEAF' on his suit fills him with pride," representing not shame but identity and strength. His race strategy depends on watching reactions at the start, reading body language on the bike, and running in near-total silence. While he describes the experience as "isolating," he equally emphasizes it's "empowering."

Oliver's perspective challenges conventional thinking: "Deafness isn't a barrier; it's a unique perspective." His advocacy focuses on improving accessibility and creating a more inclusive future for triathlon.

"If you're reading this and have ever felt hesitant about trying triathlon, especially as a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual, my advice is simple: take the leap. You're not alone, and the possibilities are endless."

The Ripple Effect - How Individual Stories Inspire Communities

These seven stories share remarkable common threads that extend far beyond individual achievement:

• Sport as medicine: Each athlete discovered that triathlon serves as both physical therapy and mental health support
• Community building: Their journeys created platforms for advocacy and charitable causes
• Challenging perceptions: They've redefined what society considers possible for people with disabilities or chronic conditions
• Flexible adaptation: Triathlon's three disciplines offer unique opportunities to work around physical limitations

The broader impact on triathlon culture cannot be overstated. These athletes haven't just participated in the sport—they've actively shaped it toward greater inclusion and accessibility. For those inspired to begin their own journey, exploring AI-powered training apps can provide personalized coaching adapted to individual needs and limitations.

Lessons for Every Athlete

Whether you're dealing with a chronic condition, recovering from trauma, or simply facing everyday challenges, these stories offer powerful insights:

1. Triathlon's flexibility is its strength: When one discipline becomes difficult, two others remain available
2. Sport can be medicine: Physical activity often provides more effective therapy than traditional treatments
3. Community support matters: Each athlete found strength through connection with others
4. Adaptation sparks innovation: Meeting diverse needs leads to equipment and strategy improvements that benefit everyone
5. Perspective shapes possibility: Reframing limitations as unique approaches opens new paths to success

Understanding triathlon time limits across different distances helps athletes plan realistic goals while working within their capabilities.

Taking Action

Inspired by these stories? Here's how you can get involved:

For aspiring adaptive athletes

• Contact local triathlon clubs about inclusive training groups
• Research equipment suppliers specializing in adaptive gear
• Connect with organizations like the Starr Trust or Hit the Ground Running

For the triathlon community

• Volunteer at adaptive sporting events
• Advocate for accessible race venues and equipment
• Share stories that celebrate diverse achievements

For everyone

• Challenge assumptions about what's possible
• Support inclusive sporting initiatives
• Remember that every finish line crossed represents someone's personal victory

Essential gear for training includes versatile 5-in-1 swim goggles that adapt to different conditions, and for recovery, consider magnesium citrate supplements to support muscle function and recovery.

The True Measure of Success

These seven remarkable individuals remind us that triathlon's greatest achievements aren't measured in split times or podium finishes—they're measured in courage, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward when every obstacle suggests you should stop.

Their stories prove that human spirit truly knows no bounds. In a sport that demands you push beyond comfort zones, these athletes have shown us what lies beyond what we thought was possible. They've transformed challenges into strength, setbacks into comebacks, and limitations into launching pads for extraordinary achievement.

The next time you're facing your own challenges—in sport or in life—remember Izzy's kindness to herself, Brandon's control over his response, Rob's smile through adversity, Bailey's active approach to health, Ariane's willingness to go big, Zach's refusal to be limited, and Oliver's unique perspective.

Sometimes the most inspiring victories happen not when crossing finish lines, but when deciding to start. For those ready to take that first step, explore triathlons near you and discover how game-changing training drills can elevate your performance regardless of your starting point.