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PlanB Coaching > Blog > Information > The Rise of Annoying Influencers in Triathlon : Do We Really Need Them?
Triathlon has long been celebrated as a sport of grit, endurance, and personal achievement. From age-groupers chasing a PB to elites battling for Kona glory, the sport thrives on authenticity and hard work. But in recent years, a new wave of ” social influencers” has infiltrated the scene—armed with selfie sticks, sponsored gear, and an insatiable need for attention.
The question is: Do we really need triathlon influencers? Or are they just adding noise to a sport built on substance?
Social media has transformed how athletes share their journeys. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are flooded with triathletes documenting their training, races, and gear choices. Some provide genuine value—coaching tips, race recaps, and honest reviews. But others? They’re just in it for the likes, free gear and creating annoying videos of themselves.
The Gear Flexer
Posts endless photos of their £15,000 bike but has never ridden a century.
Uses terms like “aero gains” and “marginal gains” without understanding them.
Has a new sponsor every month but DNFs at the first sign of hardship or moans about G.I issues.
The Humblebragger
*”Ugh, my legs are so dead after my easy 6 hour brick session… #TheStruggleIsReal”*
Posts Strava screenshots with captions like “Just a casual Zone 2 day” (averaging 25 mph). Yawn
Secretly filters race photos to look more shredded.
The Self-Proclaimed Coach
Started triathlon six months ago but now sells training plans for £120 PCM
Gives nutrition advice despite bonking in every 70.3.
Uses phrases like “Trust the process” while clearly overtrained.
The Drama Queen/Kings
Turns every flat tire into a “BRUTAL day out there!!!” saga.
Films emotional post-race breakdowns (even if they finished mid-pack).
Has a “rivalry” with another influencer that nobody else cares about.
The Lifestyle Triathlete
More time spent posing in free kit than actually training in them.
Posts “recovery” content featuring £200 compression boots and infrared saunas.
Races for the ‘gram, not the finish line.
A small subset of Triathlon influencers actually contributes positively:
Educators – Coaches and experienced athletes sharing real knowledge.
Everyday Athletes – Relatable age-groupers showing the ups and downs of training.
Gear Reviewers – Those who test products honestly instead of shilling for sponsors.
These influencers can inspire newcomers and foster community.
The majority, however, fall into the “look at me!” category:
They dilute the sport’s authenticity. Triathlon is about hard work, not staged content.
They promote unrealistic expectations. Not everyone needs a £12K bike to finish a sprint triathlon.
They prioritise engagement over integrity. Sponsored posts often lack transparency.
Some behaviors are downright harmful:
Giving dangerous advice (e.g., “carbo-loading” means eating a whole pizza the night before).
Faking race results (ever seen someone claim a “podium” in a three-person age group?).
Creating toxic comparisons—making newbies feel inadequate if they’re not posting “perfect” training logs.
Before hitting “follow,” ask:
✅ Do they actually race? Or just post about racing? Are they actually any good?
✅ Are they transparent about sponsorships? Or do they pretend to love every product?
✅ Do they engage meaningfully? Or just post generic motivational quotes?
✅ Are they relatable? Or do they make triathlon seem like an exclusive club for the wealthy?
No—not the annoying ones. Triathlon was fine before influencers, and it’ll be fine after. The sport doesn’t need more narcissism; it needs more real athletes sharing real experiences.
That said, if an influencer is adding value—teaching, inspiring, or keeping it real—then great. But if they’re just another wannabe pro with a discount code? Unfollow and move on.
At the end of the day, the clock doesn’t lie. No amount of Instagram likes will make you faster. So instead of worrying about who’s watching your training videos or looking at your photos, focus on your own journey.
Because the best triathletes? They’re too busy training working hard and getting the times to post about it.
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