Ruth Daniels
Date: 29th October 2025
Today’s guest is Ruth Daniels, CEO of British Triathlon and Triathlon England - a leader who has stepped into the sport’s top job with a background that’s anything but typical.
From a successful legal career to steering the global fashion brand Superdry, Ruth brings a rare mix of commercial acumen, fresh thinking, and values-led leadership into the world of endurance sport.
In this conversation, Ruth shares what it was like to guide British Triathlon through the Paris Olympics - her baptism of fire - and how she’s already planning to make LA even bigger.
We talk about the future of multisport festivals like Burghley, how to solve open water challenges, and the culture and values she wants to embed across the sport.
And, as a triathlete herself, Ruth reflects on her own sporting highlights and the lessons they’ve taught her. This is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and why sport matters more than ever.
Highlights:
- Baptism of Fire: How Ruth joined British Triathlon as CEO in an Olympic year - new to sport, new to the system, and straight into Paris preparation.
- From Law to Lycra: How a career spanning global law firms and Superdry’s turnaround now fuels her mission to modernise endurance sport.
- Beyond Paris, Eyes on LA: Building toward the next Olympics with a bold vision.
- Swim. Bike. Run. Belong: Turning triathlon into a sport for everyone.
- Clean Water, Clear Purpose: Founding member of the Clean Water Sports Alliance - pushing water companies and Westminster for accountability.
- Relevance & Resonance: “We can’t just rely on the same people doing the same thing” - the sport must evolve to stay culturally relevant.
- Women Mean Business: Championing female participation, pregnancy policies, and visibility.
- Culture as Competitive Edge: Building a purpose-led, high-trust, high-performing team unafraid to test, learn, and lead change.
- From Burma to Britain: Her father’s wartime story of resilience and forgiveness shapes her own drive for inclusivity and purpose.
- Legacy in Motion: How Ruth wants triathlon on the school curriculum and in everyday culture - “fit for the future, accessible for all.”
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