Muslim Women from Cycle Sisters Conquer the T100 Triathlon

Cycle Sisters with their new medals

Women from Cycle Sisters completed the T100 Triathlon, many for the first time ever, marking a significant milestone not only for themselves but for the broader community. Our Tri Sisters project aims to support more Muslim women to participate in triathlon (swim, bike, run).

This event saw 23 women overcoming numerous challenges, from learning to swim as adults to conquering the daunting task of open water swimming.

The journey to the T100 was anything but easy. One participant shared her experience, highlighting the tremendous effort it took to master swimming:

"I learned to swim as an adult, and this time last year I couldn't properly front crawl - I was scared of getting my face in the water." - Rehana

Another participant spoke about the nervousness and excitement of undertaking her first triathlon:

"It's my first ever triathlon this year, so I'm excited. I'm nervous... I've been doing a lot of open water swims, which I've never done in my life." - Marian.

A key element that made participation possible was the supportive and inclusive environment provided by the organisers. A huge thank you to PTO for offering private changing facilities, ensuring a comfortable space for our Muslim sisters. This consideration was crucial in making the event accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.

One participant emphasised the importance of these facilities:

"The fact that they've got the facilities to get changed, I really hope that this just gets bigger and bigger for us, for our Muslim sisters, and that it’s a norm so we can take part in these things easily. Thank you so much to Cycle Sisters for organising and for everyone else who has made it possible for us to take part in a halal (allowed) way.” - Rukiyah

Cycle Sisters celebrating their accomplishments

The success of Cycle Sisters at the T100 Triathlon was made possible by support from various organisations. Fund Her Tri, LYRA Modest, and London Marathon Events played significant roles in providing support including mentoring and funding for swimming lessons and open water coaching sessions. 

“What Cycle Sisters, Tri Sisters and Fund Her Tri have done, it’s the beginning of our journey. I’m so thankful that T100 heard our voice and implemented what we needed.” - Samira

The impact of this event goes beyond the present moment. It's about paving the way for future generations, encouraging younger girls to see such accomplishments as attainable.

"I think we need to make the change, we need to get everybody involved, even the younger girls. Get them training, get them used to this, make this part of their life, make this a norm, because that's the only way it's going to change." - Maiser

The participants’ stories and achievements at the T100 Triathlon are a powerful reminder that overcoming challenges is not just about personal success but about inspiring and creating opportunities for others to follow.

Congratulations to all the incredible women who participated, and here’s to inspiring many more women to start their own journeys!