Our March Member of the Month is the incredible Ruth Metcalf!
Ruth first found her way into triathlon while she was still playing hockey. To change up her training, she started riding a bike along the gravel roads near her home in Lake King, a small town in the Wheatbelt of WA. A friend noticed she could already swim and had started cycling, and suggested she try an enticer triathlon. Ruth took the advice, signed up, and the rest is history!
In 2009, when she moved to Perth with her family, Ruth joined the Stadium Triathlon Club. She later also picked up Technical Officiating and has been a TO for going on 10 years now. Along the way, she’s become a 9 x Ironman with many more incredible achievements behind her.
You’ve definitely seen Ruth around the local race circuit, usually with a colourful tri suit and a big smile on her face. We sat down with her to talk about how she first got into triathlon and to learn more about her as both an athlete and a person.
What was your first event as a beginner, and how did it go?
My swim training was pretty minimal, usually just a few laps in a pool whenever we travelled to Perth, which at the time was a five‑hour drive each way. To do the Enticer in Esperance (my first tri) I had to travel 2.5 hours one way and stay overnight.
During the swim, the water safety team had to redirect me because I was unintentionally heading toward Woody Island. Then, when I got off the bike, I experienced the classic “jelly legs” for the first time, which was a very unfamiliar feeling. But I finished happy, and from that moment on, I was completely hooked on the sport.
Do you prefer training solo, with friends, or with your club?
Always better with friends. Although triathlon is an individual sport, I found the club/coached sessions & friends keep you accountable. My first Ironman training cemented in solid friendships and we have travelled and raced on many occasions over the years.
You’re known for always smiling, what keeps you so positive on and off the course?
I moved from a team sport, where only half the people there really want to see you win. In triathlon, the spectators, volunteers, organisers, and your fellow competitors all want you to finish. Race day feels like a day “out of office” spent with mates. I keep a positive mindset even in the foulest weather, because those are the races you end up talking about for years. Smile, and people smile back, and that’s your boost right there.
You have competed in many Mountain Bike events, where is your favourite place to MTB, and what is your favourite trail?
The bike is my strongest leg and favourite discipline in tri. I like road cycling and Mountain biking. We are spoilt for choice with so many trails in a comfortable travel distance. I like the flow in Margaret River. The challenge of mountain bike stage races is next level, pushing the body on multiple race days. The Snowy Mountain bike stage race was my biggest achievement for developing trail skills.
Do you have any kids? Grandkids? Do any of them do triathlon too?
I had three children – Sam, Kristy, and Jody. Sadly Kristy, who was one of my biggest supporters, passed away unexpectedly on 3 December 2017. I received the news on race day at Ironman Busselton whilst officiating. She was a truly joyous person and always loved coming to watch me race.
None of my kids have taken up the sport yet, but there’s still time. I have two grandchildren as well now, and I’ll work on them.
Do you have a favourite race memory, or a memory that stands out from all the events you’ve done?
Each Ironman holds its own special memories. They’re long, demanding days, and every one of them leaves me with an enormous sense of achievement. It’s extra special when my daughters, Kristy and Jody, have been there to support me – including at my first half Ironman in Busselton and my Ironman in Cairns.
What do you like to do outside of triathlon? Work / hobbies / volunteering?
I love to travel, even if it’s just for a mini weekend getaway… Okay, I admit it! There’s usually a race or some kind of physical activity involved. I’ve even been known to sneak in the occasional “racecation.”
When I do actually sit still, I like to dabble in different crafts. Over the years I’ve tried plenty, but I always come back to reading, jigsaws, card making, and knitting.
I’m also currently working full time for Ageing Australia, the industry body for aged care.
Did you have any fun/weird pre-race rituals or superstitions? Like lucky socks or always eating a particular food?
When I travel for races, I wear a simple necklace before and after the event. It has three pearls, symbolising my three children, and it’s become my good‑luck charm.
How long have you been a Tech Official?
I began working as a TO when an injury stopped me from competing one year. I think it may have been around 2016? I still wanted to be involved and right in the thick of the action, so volunteering in the sport felt like the perfect way to stay connected.
Are there any people or mentors who played a big role in your Triathlon or Sporting journey?
My friend Jody Brownley was the one who first suggested I have a go at the Esperance Enticer. Justine Bolton also played a big part early on. Listening to her stories and experiences really helped when I was first getting into the sport.
My daughter Kristy, who was born with many physical disabilities, has always inspired me. Her attitude was always “I can give that a go!”.
GK Endurance coach Kate Bevilaqua has been a huge support too. Her guidance and coaching have helped shape my training, and she’s tailored my program to suit all the different events I take on. In the last couple of years, I’ve also joined the Swim Smooth squad coached by Paul Newsome.
What’s next on your sporting bucket list?
Volcanic EPIC in NZ – Mountain bike stage race
Is it true you’re a 9 x Ironman?
Yes, it’s true! I’ve raced 9 Ironmans, 25 Half Ironmans, and this year will be my 5th Busso 100, which means I’ll have gone around the Busselton course 15 times in total. Here are a few more of my favourite stats and milestones:
- I’ve completed 7 mountain bike stage races.
- I’ve done 5 Busselton Jetty Swims.
- In 2018, I received an honourable mention for the Paul Goodman Award.
- For my 60th birthday, I celebrated by taking on 60 timed events across the year. I even ended up doing a podcast with Live and Breathe Active (formerly Catfish Apparel) about it.
- In November 2024, I mountain biked through the Mustang Valley in Nepal, something I never imagined I’d experience. There’s a documentary of that trip on YouTube.
What does a perfect training day look like for you?
No injuries, nice weather, time with mates, some laughs and finish with coffee/breakfast.
If you could share one lesson the sport has taught you, what would it be?
Early mornings will be your new habit, be consistent, include strength training, applaud yourself when you have done well.
What is your advice to someone who is at the start of their triathlon journey?
Join a club and have fun. Measure your achievements against yourself not others, and take on challenges you thought would only be for fitter or younger athletes.
