SLAP Athletes
We’re proud to celebrate the milestones of the SLAP Tri Team — from first-time finishers in our Try-a-Tri programs to athletes racing at World Championship events.
This page is a visual journey of team races, world qualifiers, and the incredible progress of our #SLAPPERS. Explore photos, results, and inspiring endurance achievements that show what’s possible with hard work and community — all made possible through the guidance and expertise of the Swim Like A Pro coaching staff.
Annual "SLAP Tri Team" 70.3
Each year, we choose a nearby 70.3 and rally new and veteran #SLAPPERS to race together. The goal: earn a top-5 team trophy and share the course with teammates, training partners, and cheering coaches!
Where are going to race in 2026??
2025 - 70.3 Augusta - 2nd Place Tri Club
Over 30 SLAP Tri Team athletes took on IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta in September 2025! After the 2024 cancellation due to hurricane damage, the race returned with a brand-new run course — and Coach Sara had the best seat in the house as one of the IRONMAN announcers, cheering every #SLAPPER across the finish line!
2024 - 70.3 Chattanooga - 3rd Place Tri Club
Over 35 SLAP Tri Team athletes raced IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga in May 2024 — the largest 70.3 event in North America! Several #SLAPPERS punched their tickets to the World Championships in New Zealand, and as a bonus, the team also earned 3rd Place Tri Club honors at 70.3 Florida (Haines City) earlier that season!
2023 - 70.3 North Carolina - 2nd Place Tri Club
Over 30 SLAP Tri Team athletes raced IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina in October 2023 — a fun, point-to-point course in Wilmington where many #SLAPPERS set new PRs! We capped off the weekend with our first-ever post-race team celebration dinner, making it a memorable finish to an incredible race day.
2022 - 70.3 Gulf Coast - 2nd Place Tri Club
Over 30 SLAP Tri Team athletes raced IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast in May 2022! Getting that many #SLAPPERS to one race was a fun challenge that inspired many first-timers to join in. Although rough water cancelled the swim leg, we made the most of it — celebrating together afterward with plenty of extra “waves” at the bar!
Try-A-Tri Athletes
For over seven years, our Try-a-Tri program has introduced countless first-time athletes to the sport of triathlon through supportive coaching, group training, and fun race experiences. The photos and accolades below celebrate those amazing beginners who took the leap and crossed their very first finish lines with the #SLAPPERS community.
2018 - The Inaugural Class
Our vision of introducing the sport to first-time triathletes came to life with Coach Liesl leading a group of brave women through training for their first sprint triathlon. What began as a new challenge quickly turned into a journey of confidence, friendship, and skill-building — proving that anyone can become a triathlete with the right support and encouragement.
2018 - The Second Class
What an amazing experience training and completing my first Triathlon. If you ever wanted to “Try a Tri” but didn’t think you could do it, you are so wrong!! I cannot recommend this training program enough. The Coaches are there for you 100% not just to get you through the physical but also the mental aspect of this sport. Coach Lea was so wonderful – not really sure who was more excited and proud after I completed my first Tri me or Coach Lea!
Review by Susan Lawless – Try-A-Tri Graduate, multiple 70.3 finisher
2019 - Training on the Course
The biggest benefit of choosing a local race for our Try-a-Tri group is being able to train ON the course…including swimming in the lake at Waterfront Park, cycling on the roads around Lake Minneola, and running on the South Lake Trail.
2023-present - The Amazing Coach Beth
Since 2023, Coach Beth has brought her professional touch and contagious enthusiasm to the Try-a-Tri program. After retiring and moving to Florida for sunshine and family, we happily pulled her back into the sport to share her years of wisdom with our newest #SLAPPERS. Coach Beth has personally guided more than 20 first-time triathletes across the finish line of their debut sprint triathlon — each one crossing with a smile and a newfound passion for multisport. We’re thrilled that she’ll continue leading the program in 2026, offering four more Try-a-Tri sessions to inspire and empower new athletes across Central Florida!
World Championship Qualifiers
Over the years, the #SLAPPERS have qualified for and competed at nearly every type of triathlon World Championship imaginable — from long-course Ironman events to draft-legal sprints, and everywhere in between. These amazing SLAP Tri Team athletes have raced around the globe, proudly representing their country and their team.
And we’re not done yet — many more #SLAPPERS are on their way to earning those coveted World Championship spots. If your goal is to race at a World Champs, come train with the #SLAPPERS & work with the SLAP coaches and we will make it happen together!
Ironman 70.3 World Championships (Nice, France) – September 2026
- Julie Proctor
- Danielle Warhurst
- Tara Crawford
- Patrick Sirois
- Fonda Loughery
Ironman World Championships (Kona, Hawaii) – October 2026
- Trent Smith
Ironman 70.3 World Championships (Marbella, Spain) – November 2025
- Jennifer Ford
- Danielle Warhurst
- Tara Crawford
- Ed Baetzold
- Jan Flores
- Stephanie Fernandez
- Xander Sowa
World Triathlon Championships (Wollongong, Australia) – October 2025
- Danielle Warhurst (Olympic, non-draft)
Ironman World Championships (Kona, Hawaii) – October 2025
- Casey Seland
- Victoria Nelson
Ironman World Championships (Nice, France) – September 2025
- Trent Smith
- Marcel Figueroa
- Alexander Whisker
Ironman 70.3 World Championships (Taupo, New Zealand) – December 2024
- Stephanie Fernandez
- Danielle Warhurst
- Tara Crawford
- Jan Flores
- Alexander Whisker
- Dominic Hayhurst
- Jodie Stimpson (Pro)
Annual #SLAPPERS Ironman
Each year, we choose a nearby 70.3 and rally new and veteran #SLAPPERS to race together. The goal: earn a top-5 team trophy and share the course with teammates, training partners, and cheering coaches!
Where are going to race in 2026??
2022 - 70.3 Gulf Coast - 2nd Place Tri Club
Over 30 SLAP Tri Team athletes raced IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast in May 2022! Getting that many #SLAPPERS to one race was a fun challenge that inspired many first-timers to join in. Although rough water cancelled the swim leg, we made the most of it — celebrating together afterward with plenty of extra “waves” at the bar!