Search
shop

Which tattoo has Lucy Charles-Barclay chosen to celebrate IRONMAN World Champs win?

She only gets a tattoo when it means something big - so what has LCB gone for to celebrate that incredible Kona victory?
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

She’s one of the few professional triathletes with an ‘M-Dot’ tattoo, but what body art did Lucy Charles-Barclay choose to get done to celebrate her long-awaited first IRONMAN World Championship win?

All is revealed in her latest video which is embedded below!

Advertisement

‘It has to mean something’

Explaining the importance to her, she says: “I’m probably one of the only pros with an IRONMAN tattoo [which is on her left ankle].

“I got it after I did my first-ever IRONMAN event as an age-grouper back in 2014 when I was only 20 – I was like, ‘if I finish an IRONMAN, I’ll get the tattoo’.

“And it was the same when I was a swimmer when I said if I ever make the Olympics, then I’ll definitely get the Olympic rings.

“So it has to mean something pretty big for me to get a tattoo.”

And the idea for the latest tattoo came back in 2022 just before her fourth successive second place in Hawaii.

Taking up the story, the 30-year-old Brit says: “So in 2022 I had seen this car sticker and I said that if I win the race, that is the sort of tattoo I would like to get.

“Obviously I didn’t win the race that year so I came home and sort of forgot about it.

“But leading into the race this year I was looking at my photos on my phone and I had that car sticker in there.”

‘It reminds me never to give up’

After her return she wasted little time getting it inked onto her left arm and is delighted at the result, especially as it now acts as an added motivation going forward.

She explained: “Waiting so long to actually win the race, it means so much more.

And already when I’ve been training on the TT bars, I can see that tattoo on my arm and I’m like ‘wow, what a journey it’s been’.

“It’s almost motivating but also it reminds me just to never give up because you never know what’s just around the corner and how much your work will eventually pay off.

“I’m really, really happy with it – and I can understand now why people get addicted to getting tattoos. I already have a few ideas of other ones I would like!”

Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
Another tattoo idea? (Getty Images for IRONMAN).
Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Jonny Brownlee with bike transition Supertri Toronto 2025
WATCH LIVE NOW: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Brownlee looks to bounce back
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
Georgia Taylor Brown smiles Supertri Toronto 2025
‘It might take a miracle but I’ll give it my best shot’ – can GTB repeat Supertri Chicago win?
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...