Q&A Spotlight: Saskia Bjornson – Coach, Athlete, Race Director

Q: Let’s start with your own journey, how did you first get involved in sport, and what drew you to triathlon in particular?

I have been involved in sport since I could walk and have participated in a wide variety of athletics. In particular, I have always been a “water baby” – I love being in the water and have been swimming my whole life! I became interested in triathlon when Simon Whitfield came to my high school leadership program after he won Gold in Sydney. Hearing his story made a big impact on me. I am a fan of trying new things and getting outside of my comfort zone so in 2010 I decided I wanted to try a tri. I didn’t own a bike and didn’t know anything about triathlons at that time. I also really didn’t like running at that time, haha! But I tried one and the rest is history!

Q: You’ve competed in everything from Ironman to open water swims and 50km trail runs. What motivates you to keep pushing your limits across so many disciplines?

I love movement! I love playing in the great outdoors. How lucky am I that I can choose to spend my day in the water or the trails as my “goal”! I enjoy seeing what I am capable of and finding the next big goal to sink my teeth into. Doing these goals really helps me as an athlete but also as a coach!

Q: What inspired you to create Saskia Say Beginner Triathlon, and what has the experience of building and directing your own event been like?

I wish I had known of a beginner tri event when I got into triathlon. It can be a very intimidating sport – it’s hard for a beginner to know where to start. I’ve been hosting beginner triathlon clinics since 2018 and athletes kept sharing frustrations or negative experiences as first timers at races. It became clear that it was important to create a starting point for people to try a tri before they dive into all our amazing local races! It’s a TON of work. But it is the MOST rewarding day!!!

Q: The beginner-friendly nature of your race is such a unique and valuable addition to the community. What do you think first-timers need most when entering the sport?

I want to create a community where no one needs the super fancy equipment to start. It’s a non-timed event so it’s not a “race”.  I think first-timers need to remember that everyone had to start somewhere! Every professional was once a beginner.

It’s just you showing up for you without the stress of cut off times. The magic of my event is everyone is in the same boat – everyone is a beginner, sharing the same nerves and conquering a goal that means a lot to them.

Q: As a coach, what’s your approach to working with athletes of all abilities, and how do you help them set (and believe in) “crazy goals”?

My approach is to focus on the individual – to assess their goals, their confidence and physical abilities – and tailor my coaching accordingly.  I truly believe we are all capable of doing hard things and it’s worth getting outside our comfort zones. We just start one step at a time and work on a timeline to reach their goal.

Q: In your experience, what are the biggest barriers for women entering triathlon, and what do you think could help shift that?

In my experience, I would say cycling can be intimidating. It seems to be a male dominated sport and the thought of going into bike shops can be a bit “scary”.  I bring my groups into local bike shops to meet the staff and they soon realize it’s not so scary after all! The shops are filled with passionate athletes who love to share their sport and become a great resource for all my athletes!

Q: Your background is rooted in both education and practical leadership. How has your degree in Sport & Fitness Leadership helped shape your approach as a coach and race director?

My degree in Sport and Fitness Leadership, my internships, work experiences as a coach and working in the sport industry helped me immensely with my career choices. I worked over 10 years with BCWheelchair sports and working with people with disabilities really helped me think outside the box with all athletes. We are all individuals who learn in our own ways and have our own capabilities, strengths and confidence. I coach a lot of one on one and I love it because I get to tailor the lesson to connect with the athletes needs.

Q: You’re someone who really walks the talk, what does your personal training look like these days, and how do you balance it with coaching and event management?

I always joke that movement is my “happiness pill” ! It truly fills my cup. To be honest, it can be very challenging to focus on my own personal goals while hosting the Beginner Triathlon and managing my own coaching business.  I did my first ever half-marathon in May – I had never done a road half outside of tri. That was fun! Right now I swim, gym, try to get my plethora of bikes out for a spin, hike with my dog, and get out for runs.  I have a few goal ideas up my sleeve for the next couple of years, so stay tuned!

Q: You’ve accomplished some pretty amazing endurance feats, from the Juan de Fuca trail in 12 hours to placing 5th at Aquabike Worlds. What has been the most meaningful, or memorable sport accomplishment?

You know, I would say my first ever tri is up there! My first Ironman is a big one – my bike seat broke in T1 so I did the whole 180km with cardboard, duct tape and zap straps. I had SO many people supporting me in that goal and I worked so hard to get there, nothing was going to stop me that day! I used to be a competitive volleyball player and there are some amazing days on the court I will always cherish. For me, some of the most memorable athletic accomplishments are a combination of:

• The training. I love the process. The race day is the cherry on top. I love showing up for myself and working hard, even on those days with low motivation.
• The support. Family, friends, training buddies, they make it so special to share the experience.
• The environment. The water is my happy place. Being in a completely different world is bliss. I love being in nature. It really brings me joy! Being able to spend hours in the trails among the trees is heaven!

Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about triathlon?

You can start at any age!

Q: Favourite local running or cycling route?

Cycling – Waterfront in Victoria is stunning. Running – Jocelyn Hill is magic.

Q: What are you most excited about right now, whether it’s a race, a project, or something new on the horizon?

I am excited to head into my 4th year of hosting the Saskia Says Beginner Tri and to bring new athletes into the sport of triathlon! And for some personal goals, I will share as they develop!

Q: Who inspires you, in coaching, racing, or life?

My athletes inspire me all the time! It is truly an honour to coach someone who is terrified of the water and is trying to learn to swim as an adult with that fear. I am inspired by people wanting to show up for themselves. I am inspired by my community – there is such an abundance of incredible coaches, practitioners,and athletes all doing amazing work. I love collaborating and working together. One of my favourite days in Victoria is TC10km – you will see thousands of people out for the race. All ages, shapes and sizes, walking, pushing, running to the finish line. And then after the race you’ll still see people all over the city, out on bikes, out for runs, walks etc. It’s a very motivating city to live in.