Search
shop

Lucy Charles-Barclay opens up on the “lowest lows” of her life-changing Coeliac diagnosis, and why she feels better than ever

The 2023 IRONMAN World Champion says she feels "so much stronger now"
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

One year ago, British triathlon superstar Lucy Charles-Barclay was diagnosed with Coeliac disease, forcing her to completely change her diet.

Now, 12 months later as part of Coeliac Awareness Month, she is speaking out on the “highs and lows” and “a lot of learning” she has experienced since.

Coeliac is a disease which causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues when gluten is consumed, damaging the gut and preventing the proper absorption of nutrients from your food.

Last year Lucy felt it held her back, leading to other health issues, but the 31-year-old has now made huge progress since then and achieved a strong third-place finish at the T100 Singapore last month.

Advertisement

LCB ‘so much stronger’ now

In a new YouTube video, she said: “They said it could take a year to heal the damage to my gut. I feel like we’re getting there now.

“I feel so much healthier and stronger. They say your gut is your second brain. They said I needed to cut out gluten and dairy. Thankfully now I can have dairy products.”

Lucy Charles-Barclay on the run at IRONMAN France 2024
Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

Before her diagnosis, Lucy was “constantly dealing with mysterious health issues and unexplained injuries”, which she says brought her from the highs of being crowned 2023 IRONMAN World Champion, to the “lowest lows.”

But writing on Instagram, she said: “What a difference a year makes. It’s #CoeliacAwarenessMonth, and coincidentally, it marks one year since I received my coeliac disease diagnosis.

“To think before this I’d been pushing myself to the limit as a professional athlete without absorbing the fuel I was putting in, it’s just unbelievable…

A truly life-changing diagnosis

“This time last year, I felt like I was running out of avenues to explore. If you’re feeling stuck in a similar situation, you can complete a free self assessment on the @coeliacuk website which will help you determine whether to contact your GP for testing.

“My diagnosis has been truly life changing. I have not only seen so many positive changes in my physical health, but mentally I feel in a much better place too. It’s just such a relief to know the root cause of the problems I was facing.”

Lucy Charles-Barclay T100 Singapore 2025 Finish
Lucy Charles-Barclay admits she wasn’t 100% in Singapore [Photo: James Mitchell/T100]

Lucy admits it “hasn’t been an easy journey” since she started cutting out gluten – and she still makes mistakes.

She said: “I got sick last month and we found out that Strepsils have gluten in them… It takes the fun out of food. Pizza, that’s gone. I travel with a rice cooker.

“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’m getting there—and I’m feeling so much better because of it.”

Charles-Barclay, who is going back to where it all began for her at IRONMAN Lanzarote later this month, is speaking out to raise awareness because only 36% of people who have Coeliac disease are actually diagnosed.

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
Olympic medallist and T100 winner reveals she’s stepping up to full distance next
Sam Laidlow Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Laidlow prompts groundbreaking move as Race Ranger data will be made public
Kat Matthews IRONMAN Texas Finish Line 2025
Kat Matthews and Magnus Ditlev top 70.3 Swansea fields as IRONMAN Pro Series heads to Wales
Kristian Blummenfelt Kristian Hogenhaug Casper Stornes IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
Triathlon GOAT Mark Allen sends “great champions” message to red-hot superstar Kristian Blummenfelt
Zachary Josie bike
Age-group athlete with dwarfism says INCREDIBLE goal is “in his grasp” at Challenge Roth
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...