Kelly Smith is a trailblazer in the UK triathlon community, known for her pioneering work as the founder of The Black Tri Tribe (BTT), the first triathlon club specifically for Black people in the UK. On this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Kelly shares her inspiring journey from a private triathlon enthusiast to a public advocate for inclusivity in sports.
Kelly's initial foray into triathlons was a personal endeavour, but her passion for the sport soon evolved into a mission to break down barriers and create a supportive community for Black athletes. She first spoke about her experiences on the Tough Girl Podcast on February 24th, 2022, detailing the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led to the creation of BTT.
In September 2022, Kelly officially launched The Black Tri Tribe, starting with a survey to understand the needs and barriers within the triathlon community. The feedback highlighted a recurring theme: the need for greater inclusion. BTT was born as a community organisation dedicated to addressing these issues, organising events, and fostering a welcoming environment for its members.
Throughout the episode, Kelly discusses the highs and lows of running BTT while working a full-time job, including the expansion of the club from Brighton and London to Birmingham. She shares insights from hosting panel discussions on diversifying triathlon, and the importance of community support in maintaining motivation when things get tough.
Kelly's commitment to BTT goes beyond organising events; it's about creating a space where Black people and People of Colour feel welcomed and supported in the outdoors. Despite the challenges and the risk of burnout, her dedication remains unwavering, driven by the belief in the power of community and the importance of inclusivity in sports.
Tune in to hear Kelly Smith's story, her vision for BTT, and her advice for anyone considering taking up triathlons: "Why you should ‘Try a Ting’.”
Join us as we celebrate the journey of a remarkable woman making a significant impact in the world of triathlon.
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Show notes
Who is Kelly Smith
Being the founder of The Black Tri Tribe (BTT)
First speaking to Kelly on the Tough Girl Podcast - Feb 24th 2022 - Kelly Smith - On the Go - Being passionate about the outdoors.
Keep her triathlons private
Spending a year doing different things, from swimming to SUPs
Being asked about her triathlons
Signing up for a local triathlon event
Starting the BTT in September 2022
Starting with a survey to find out what was missing
Living in an echo chamber via social media
Figuring out what were the barriers were
Having - inclusion come up over and over again
Why the BTT is a community organisation
Putting on events
The next steps in building the BTT
Starting with the social media
Being receptive to feedback
Finding out the distances that people want to do
What is realistic?
Is a sprint triathlon entry level?
The BTT special
Not enjoying running
Why can’t tri including walking
Spending a year figuring out her life
Not being very good at admin
Not asking for help
Getting a committee together - June 2023
Getting admin help November 2023
Expanding from Brighton and London to Birmingham
People didn’t know where to get gear from
People needing support from their community
Hosting panel discussion - on how to diversify the sport of triathlon
Working a full time job and running BTT
Not sleeping and feeling close to burn out
Making thing happen - takes hard work and consistency
Not being able to train
Not having life - BTT has become her life
Having bills to pay and funding the BTT
The opportunity cost
How long can Kelly do this for
Getting burnout by social interaction and not by the work
The quiet year
Why don’t Black people go into the outdoors?
Gaining a variety of new qualifications
Not expecting it to be so difficult
Maintaining motivation levels when things aren’t going to plan
Being supported by her community
Women supporting women
The power of having other people believing in you
Why things can just take time
Sue - member of the BTT - her story and doing a BTT Special Triathlon
Future plans for the next 6 months
Triathlon 7th June 2025 - tickets are available now
Why the triathlon is for everyone
Why the training session are for Black people and People of Colour only
Aiming to be as inclusive as possible
The minority within the minority
Why the day of the triathlon is a celebration
Why we are the most connected and most disconnected we’ve ever been
How to connect with Kelly
How the events have grown over the years
Final words of advice
Why you should ‘Try a Ting’
Social Media
The Black Tri Tribe - Community organisation. The first triathlon club for Black People in the UK.
Instagram:
Facebook: @blacktritribe
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