Rhianne Hughes

Growing up I was always a keen runner but struggled to reach my potential due to health issues. At university I was heavily involved in the University Cross country society and was appointed the roles of women’s captain and president. During lockdown, I decided to give triathlon a go due to injury struggles, I found that triathlon training really complemented my running and brought it to the next level. 

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I started off as an age group triathlete in 2022 and earned 3 Outlaw triathlon podiums and age group podiums before earning my professional long course triathlete licence at the end of 2023. My first pro season involved lots of ups and downs with my highlights being 4th place finish at 70.3 Swansea and top 6 finishes in all my races. In the future I look to give my first full Ironman distance triathlon a go in 2024 at Ironman Wales. Alongside my training over the last year I have been developing my passion for helping other succeed within sport too. I am a volunteer coach at the University of Leeds triathlon centre within the BUCS squad helping the students become the next generation of professional athletes like myself. I have also been leading ZWIFT training for PGC1-Coaching athletes buidling the community aspect of PGC1-Coaching's triathlon division.

Coaching philosophy

As both a professional triathlete and experienced coach, I understand the unique challenges that come with balancing swim, bike, and run training alongside everyday life. My coaching style has been shaped by years of competing at the highest level and by learning directly from some of the UK’s most successful triathlon and running coaches. This gives me a broad, versatile approach that I adapt to meet the needs of every athlete I work with. 

Triathlon training can often feel overwhelming – long hours, multiple disciplines, and the pressure of fitting it all in around work, family, and social commitments. My philosophy is simple: consistency is the key to success. I design programmes that are achievable, sustainable, and flexible, so you can get the most out of training without burning out.

I believe that the best results come from balance. That means ensuring your training fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, while still challenging you to make meaningful progress. I’ll help you build fitness in a way that is manageable and realistic, so you can achieve your goals with confidence. Whether you’re training for your first sprint triathlon, stepping up to an Ironman, or looking to take minutes off your PB, my role is to help you feel confident, supported, and excited about training. With the right plan, you’ll see that you can achieve more than you thought possible.

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