In honour of International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate another inspiring initiative in the world of triathlon coaching – the Inspire to Tri program. This program, developed by NSW Triathlon and led by the passionate Robyn Low-Hart, has been instrumental in driving a significant change in female coaching representation.
At the heart of the Inspire to Tri program is the goal of achieving gender balance in coaching roles. Research by the United Nations indicates at the current rate, it could take an astounding 140 years to reach gender equality in leadership positions. Not willing to wait that long, the Inspire to Tri program acted as an accelerator, achieving gender balance in both Foundation and Development levels of triathlon coaching in just three years.
The program’s success was in its unique structure, which addresses the barriers women face in coaching. By combining the standard coaching accreditation course with mentorship, tailored learning pathways, and leadership development; the program empowered new coaches to confidently progress in their careers. High-level female coaches served as mentors, providing a support system that helped participants navigate their coaching journey with clarity and confidence.
One challenge the program had to tackle was the historical role of women in society. By educating participants about these historical roles, the program provided a foundation for understanding and driving change. This knowledge helped participants break through barriers and pave the way for future female coaches.
The systematic approach of the Inspire to Tri program aligned with NSW Government initiatives and the previous Her Sport Her Way grant program. Partnerships with current female Performance and Development Coaches, industry guest speakers, and funding bodies were crucial in addressing progression barriers and opening doors for the next generation of female coaches.
The results speak for themselves. Before the program began, only 23% of Development Coaches were female. Thanks to the Inspire to Tri program, this number steadily increased over three years, reaching an impressive 51%. The Foundation Course maintained a 50% gender balance throughout, ensuring a continuous flow of female coaches advancing to the next level.
Key mentors who made this program a success include Robyn Low-Hart, Nicky Western, Nic Ward, Lisa Redmond, and Erica Galea. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in empowering a new generation of female coaches.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s applaud the incredible strides made by the Inspire to Tri program. It’s a shining example of how targeted initiatives can drive real change and empower women to reach new heights in their careers. Here’s to a future where gender equality in coaching is not just a goal, but a reality!
