Rach McBride (they/them) is a three-time Ironman 70.3 champion, course record holder, and one of the strongest cyclists on the world circuit; very impressive for someone who got their start at the sport “later in life!” TRS Radio dubbed Rach “the most interesting [person] in triathlon” and we agree!
Generations are growing up with a completely different identify of gender and understanding that you don’t have to fit in these boxes. It’s a fluid, self expression, wonderful, everyone accepted, kind of thing and that it is about being curious about each other which I think is so powerful. – Rach McBride
We chatted with Rach about their triathlon journey, how they became known as the “Purple Tiger,” and the importance of inclusivity of non-binary athletes in sports. Rach is the first professional triathlete to come out as gender non-binary and is advocating for changes in how race directors in all sports enact changes in registration, washrooms, and prize money. Rach also shares the importance of the proper use of pronouns and offers advice to non-binary athletes and others who are struggling with their identity.
At one point, Rach recalls a race in Philadelphia who not only took the initiative to update the registration process, they also created a prize category for non-binary athletes. For more information, please check out https://www.philadelphiadistancerun.com/.
To learn more about Rach McBride, you can follow them on Instagram at: @rachelmcb
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