Triathlon is very intense! A 1.5 km swim in deep sea waters, followed by a 40 km bike ride which at times can be an uphill battle on meandering roads, and if that isn’t grueling enough, a 10 km run to finish on legs that feel like jelly; this is triathlon, at the Olympic standards. Three endurance sports all in one, swimming, cycling, and running! There is no doubt, that high level of fitness and endurance is important, and for many this can be a deterrent. However, the good news is that fitness and endurance are not requirements! Although having these competencies make the sport easier to navigate, everyone isn’t training to be an Olympian or an elite triathlete; and no matter how big the feat might seem, participating in triathlon in Barbados somehow makes it all worth it! The chance to run along white sandy beaches to enter crystal clear blue waters to get the race started, should be enticing enough, but add cycling and running in a paradise. Why not Barbados? 
The young, the old, the fit, the unfit, the inexperienced, the dedicated triathletes, locals, tourists, newcomers, and fun- seekers, the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes (BFIT) welcomes all to the sport. BFIT, the governing body
of triathlon in Barbados, organizes developmental programs, conducts workshops, and hosts events on an annual basis for all interested persons. 
For those looking to try the sport for the first time,  there is ‘Try-a-tri, whether you are a tiny-tot or a retired individual, there are age- group categories; for persons who think it is just too much, don’t like to swim or don’t fancy running, there is the duathlon (a bike and run event) and the aquathlon (a run and swim event). There are options, and the common denominator is that persons get to participate in an activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle, all while enjoying the beautiful paradise island of Barbados. 
Triathlon in Barbados began in 1990 and has been steadily on the rise.
With the likes of 2016 Olympian Jason Wilson, who came through the ranks of the BFIT Kids Series program, and Elite Triathlete Matthew Wright who has been actively representing Barbados and competing against the world’s best at major multisport games, the sport of triathlon is becoming increasingly popular in Barbados. The growth of
the sport can be credited to the many activities and programs facilitated by BFIT. These programs have aided in the development of youth and junior athletes and can be seen in the recent success stories of national junior triathletes, Niel Skinner, Chara Hinds, Zahra Gaskin, and Kayla Renwick, who have all received scholarships to compete collegiately at universities in the USA. 
In addition to structured developmental programs, BFIT also hosts several events. One of the top events that attract persons from across the world is the Barbados National Triathlon. This year, BFIT hosted its 32nd National Triathlon along the Mighty Grynner Highway and Brandons Beach on October 23, 2022. With sports given the green like to proceed after a long pause in activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BFIT has resumed action in one of its most competitive events on the calendar. Over the years, the Barbados National Triathlon has welcomed some of the best competitors from Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. 
Once an event on the World Triathlon calendar, the Barbados stop was one where many international triathletes picked up valuable points for their international ranking. “Barbados Continental Cup provides one of the most beautiful courses in the world, which comes only second to how welcoming the people are.” said, Elite Triathlete 
Tyler Mislawchuk of Canada. This year the National Triathlon event will offer four events: Try-a-tri, which caters to newcomers to the sport, the Olympic distance, and sprint distance for the more seasoned triathletes, and the sprint relay for persons wishing to compete as a team. 
To register, persons can visit BFIT’s website www.triathlonbarbados.com or find the event on www.raceroster.com. 
Come for the competition, stay for the vacation. Bring friends and family and enjoy triathlon in paradise!