‘Don’t Die Wondering’ Mantra Keeps Iron Distance Triathlete Going – Laura Siddall
Mansfield-born Laura Siddall is currently in Boulder, Colorado working towards the World Championships in Hawaii in October.
And the continued success of the athlete – who has a number of amateur world titles under her belt – is testament to her dedication and commitment.
“I am at an age when a lot of sports people are preparing to retire or who have already done so,” said 41-year-old Laura.
“But I’m certainly not at that stage and I’m looking forward to continuing for as long as I can. I’ve always been passionate about sports and “don’t die wondering” is the mantra I live by.”
One of four girls, Laura always wanted a career in sport but at the time it was seen as something that could only be a hobby, so she left school and studied to be an engineer.
She started a job with Shell and took part in their Global Opportunities Programme which gave her the opportunity to work in Australia for two years, deciding to stay in Sydney at the end of that time.
“I was 29 when I started getting involved in triathalons,” she said.
“I had friends who did them and they thought I would like it and just became absolutely hooked.
“I started off with very little knowledge but I signed up for a beginner course and that was it!”
Laura spent the next four years as an amateur, gaining world titles and rapidly moving up through the ranks.
“I realised this was what I really wanted to do so I resigned from my job, sold everything I had and then moved to San Francisco so I could work with a top coach.”
Laura’s star has continued to rise and she is a strong advocate of women’s sport, one of 35 people selected to be part of the Women’s Sport Trust’s Unlocked 2022 programme to help raise the visibility of women in sport.
She is also a member of the Professional Triathletes Organisation and a British Inspiration Trust Ambassador.
When not training she divides her time between a home in Spain and in New Zealand and is also passionate about sustainability, involving herself in a project where running shoes are recycled.
“I am very lucky to be able to do the thing I love the most every day,” she said.
“It’s very important that we follow our dreams and see what we can we achieve.”
