Skip to content

Ian Liddiatt - Athlete Ambassador

by Aimee Garnett
Shop Sundried's Triathlon Collection Liquid error (sections/main-article line 111): Could not find asset snippets/relatedblogs.liquid
Shop Sundried's Triathlon Collection

Have you always been into sports?

I have been involved in various sports since I was a kid! I was lucky to have parents who took me and my brother along to any sport we fancied a go at. I did the 'usuals' - rugby (too small and I didn't like getting hit so ended up running away from everyone with the ball in my hand - but rarely in the right direction!), football, athletics, swimming (too many early morning starts), judo, karate and hockey (went on to represent Welsh Senior Schools and gain 3 caps). Ended up in my early 20s mountain bike and road cycle racing, before entering the world of triathlon. I'm now taking a short break from triathlon to compete in some ultra marathons (I have to scratch the itch).

How did you first get into triathlon?

I started to be interested in triathlons in late 2004. My first triathlon race was the first Ironman distance race in Sherborne, Dorset in August 2005

If you are interested in getting into Triathlon, Sundried's kit is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned athletes. We have both men's and women's options available.

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

My favourite race would have to be the triathlon sprint World Championships in Rotterdam in 2017. Even though I've been privileged to represent the GB Age Group on many occasions, this was the first time I was able to race with my girlfriend wearing the GB kit. Needless to say I was (and still am) extremely proud.

What is your proudest achievement?

This is a difficult one, but if I'm pushed I'd say my proudest achievement is the fact that I've represented GB Age Group Triathlon at Long Distance, Standard Distance, and Sprint Distance.

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

I've had many racing disasters, too many to mention here (some very embarrassing!!). Crashes, kit mishaps (don't ask), going the wrong way (always listen to marshalls and read the race pack kids!!). You name it, it's happened to me. To me though it's all part and parcel of sport, and to be honest, life in general. I'm a great believer that we can only learn and develop through our mistakes. Mistakes happen, don't dwell on it - move on!

How do you overcome setbacks?

I look at setbacks as part of the learning and development process - what caused the setback? Is it something I could avoid next time? What is the pathway out? How can I learn and improve from this setback? I write these and other questions down, answer them, and add to them while I'm overcoming the setback. This process helps me to identify the issue and therefore develop and hopefully avoid a similar situation in the future. We all have time out from sport for various reasons, which is frustrating and annoying, but it's important to remember 2 things:

  1. Sport isn't going away - it'll still be here once you've overcome your setback
  2. There is always a pathway out - sometimes it takes longer to find one, but there is a path!!

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

This could be as long as 'War and Peace', but here it goes:
  1. Don't rush things - let yourself develop over time
  2. Take time to enjoy the journey - the views and the experiences, including the memories and the people you meet on the way are pretty awesome
  3. Consistency is key
  4. Don't over do it, if you need a break take it - you'll last longer and the journey will go on longer!!

What are your goals?

My overall goals are relatively simple - remain strong, fit and healthy, and to continually be the best I can be. I do have goals within the races and events I compete in, and the training I'm doing. This helps me remain motivated. However I'm conscious not to allow these goals to interfere with my enjoyment of the sport nor the journey.

Who inspires you?

Many people inspire me. My girlfriend for one! Those who overcome fear, hardship and adversity, yet achieve great things, and this may not be in sport or business. It could be the average person in the street, and yet they achieve great things, and perform outside their comfort zone.

Why work with Sundried?

I wanted to work with a brand that provides quality, stylish clothing, but who is also looking at the environmental impact of clothing. Sundried certainly ticks this box with their range of clothing and accessories. I'm particularly excited about their EcoTech range and their t-shirts made of biodegradable fabric.

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.

Popular Sundried Products

Close
Product Image
Someone recently bought a ([time] minutes ago, from [location])
Close
Login

Recently Viewed

Recently Viewed Products
Back To Top
Close
Edit Option
Close
Notify Me
is added to your shopping cart.
Close
whatsapp-account-image

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

SUNDRIED30

Continue Shopping
Recommended 3
x