Despite racing in the professional field since 2019, British long course athlete Ruth Astle has spent the last five years balancing her training and racing with a career in banking.
The 34-year-old, who has a career best finish of fifth at the IRONMAN World Championship (2021), worked with Lloyds Banking Group for over 11 years.
Sharing the reason behind her decision, the three-time IRONMAN winner said she was fully committed to her training and the pursuit of a podium at a world championship.
“Lloyds has been all I’ve known”
Having worked with the bank since graduating, Astle credited the company not just for aiding her professional development, but also introducing her to triathlon.
“After 11.5 years the time has come to leave Lloyds Banking Group and fully commit to being a full time triathlete. Lloyds has been all I’ve known work wise since graduating, and the various experiences I’ve had have given me a great insight to both the corporate world and communities.
“I’ve done all sorts of roles on both the corporate side of the bank and the head office side, learning about everything from businesses to technology to people and policy.
“Lloyds introduced me to triathlon in 2013 and has supported me in my journey to turning professional at the end of 2019, and supporting me turning part time so I could continue to work whilst racing against the best triathletes in the world.”
Chasing a World Championship podium
In a year of big changes, Astle also switched coaches before the beginning of the season, the PTO World #87 said she is now fully committed to achieving her triathlon ambitions.
“It is now time for something new – initially a focus on all things triathlon and working towards a podium at the world champs, and then exploring other avenues to keep the brain occupied!
“Huge thank you to all the teams that have worked with me, taught me lots and supported me in both work and triathlon life. Here’s to the next adventure.”
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
TRI-FIT GEO Women’s Tri Suit Review – How does it fare in our quest for the ultimate long course kit?
Alistair Brownlee and Ashleigh Gentle on stepping up to the T100 distance from short course triathlon
5 race day mistakes that are sabotaging your triathlon times (and how to fix them)
Rouvy vs Zwift: our indoor cyclists put them to the test
What is an average & good time for a triathlon?
latest News
Why WTCS Abu Dhabi will not be the last triathlon race impacted by extreme weather
Morgan Pearson wins Americas Championships as Katie Zaferes Olympic dream suffers a blow in Miami
Sickness setback forces Jodie Stimpson to withdraw from Miami T100 Triathlon World Tour
![Lionel Sanders [Photo credit: Talbot Cox]](https://www.tri247.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/LS-Blue-70-4.jpg)
Lionel Sanders on how a hard-worker lacking talent can become a good triathlon swimmer
Oddsmakers split on T100 Miami men’s favourite – but Alistair Brownlee written off at 25/1
