Search
shop

Skye Moench and Sarah True on social media, influencers and expectations in triathlon

Skye Moench and Sarah True on the expectations on female professionals in triathlon.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Speaking to TRI247 in a recent interview, American long course professionals Skye Moench and Sarah True addressed the infrequently talked about factor of a professional triathletes life, social media.

With the pressure to be not just an athlete but also an influencer greater than ever before, True points out how the changing social media landscape is an increasingly difficult space to navigate for women.

She underlines the importance of making it clear that being an athlete is about training and racing, not about looking ready to walk down a runway or go out to a cocktail party.

Advertisement

“We live in a day and age where we can’t just be athletes”

Explaining the pressure of social media, True believes that the current landscape leaves women at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.

Skye Moench of the United States of America, Sarah True of the United States of America and Agnieszka Jerzyk of Poland pose for a picture during the flower ceremony of the IRONMAN European Championship Frankfurt on July 02, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images for IRONMAN

“We live in the day and age where we can’t just be athletes, we also have to be influencers and when you start talking about what it means to be a female influencer versus a male influencer, that’s a whole other discussion and that’s what we are treading in.

“The social media landscape has changed a lot, some athletes know how to use the system and for them it’s been great, but overall it’s harder for women to navigate that space than men.” 

“We are not here to walk down a runway”

On the topic of the expectation to always look camera ready, Moench says that it just isn’t realistic, highlighting that athletes should be valued for their performances, not their looks.

“We were talking about the attractive element of women in sport and here we are, I was just going for a run and I’m going for a swim in an hour, I’m not going to put makeup on and I’m not going to straighten my hair.

“What am I supposed to look like? It’s just not practical to constantly look like I’m ready for a cocktail party, it’s just not going to happen. I believe we are all beautiful women and we can all look nice when we want to, but the reality is we are athletes, we’re not here to walk down a runway everyday.” 

Tomos Land
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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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...