From 18 Stone to the Start Line: Stuart Walker’s Unlikely Journey to Triathlon Founder cover art

From 18 Stone to the Start Line: Stuart Walker’s Unlikely Journey to Triathlon Founder

From 18 Stone to the Start Line: Stuart Walker’s Unlikely Journey to Triathlon Founder

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 Hey there sports lovers, on todays episode of The Unlikely Triathlete Rob sits down with Stuart Walker, the founder and event director of World of Triathlon Life. Stuart shares his remarkable transformation from being "nearly 18.5 stone" (approx. 117kg) and unable to swim to becoming an avid triathlete and industry leader. The conversation dives into Stuart's "trigger point" during a mountain trek in Peru, where being physically dragged up a glacier sparked a five-stone weight loss journey. Stuart discusses the "minefield" of entering the sport—from accidentally training in a surfing wetsuit to the common fear of open water after a childhood near-drowning incident. Now, Stuart is combining his 15 years of experience in the events industry with his passion for multisport to launch a major new triathlon exhibition in the UK. Key Takeaways The Power of "Not Yet": Stuart adopts the philosophy that "I can't do it" simply means "I haven't learned how to do it yet," emphasizing that anyone can learn to swim or ride with the right guidance. The Catalyst for Change: A traumatic or difficult physical experience—like Stuart's struggle in Peru—can serve as the necessary "trigger" to overhaul one's health and mindset. Moderation Over Extreme Restriction: Stuart achieved sustainable weight loss not by cutting everything out, but by cutting down and moving away from using "bad things" as dopamine rewards. Navigating the "Minefield": For beginners, the gear and terminology can be overwhelming; Stuart highlights the importance of finding mentors or coaches to avoid mistakes like training in the wrong equipment. Racing Yourself: At the heart of triathlon is the competition against oneself; the "fix" and sense of achievement at the finish line far outweigh the pre-race anxiety. The World of Triathlon Expo: Launching in April, this new event aims to make the sport more inclusive and diverse, providing a space for elite brands and affordable "challenger" brands alike. Inclusivity in Sport: You don't need a top-tier "cockpit" or expensive gear to participate; the community celebrates everyone, from elite athletes to those riding commuter bikes with baskets. Next Event - Saturday, 28 March and Sunday, 29 March 2026. BOOK HERE - https://www.worldoftriathlonlive.com/ Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Call booking link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/sJX8bHdoj3P7cBoffJFC Green Mamba Tri Coaching Community Link: https://community.greenmamba-tri.com/communities/groups/greenmamba-tri-community Stuart Walker Links https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stuart-walker-77352243 https://www.instagram.com/stuart.worldoftriathlon.live/ HOST BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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