Paralympian Mel Nicholls has reflected on her remarkable journey from being terrified of open-water swimming to competing in triathlons around the world. The 48-year-old, who was a wheelchair racer at London 2012 before turning to triathlon, was at British Triathlon’s ‘50 days to go’ launch event ahead of the World Triathlon Championship Series in London on 25 July.
From fear to confidence
Nicholls knows firsthand how it feels to struggle in open water, and she highlighted how triathlon builds new skills and confidence in athletes of all levels. “I came into triathlon as a hand cyclist and a wheelchair racer, so I had two elements,” she said. “But I didn't see myself as a swimmer, and I definitely lacked confidence. In the first few training sessions, I was crying into my goggles, thinking I couldn't do it. Now, I get in every bit of open water I can.”
Featuring an open water swim taster session with community groups BADU and STUK, the initiative was part of British Triathlon’s work within the London community to open more opportunities to get people involved in triathlon.
Building a legacy
Through community involvement, British Triathlon is helping build a legacy for triathlon in London by growing participation in clubs and events, and making the sport more accessible. Thousands of amateur triathletes will take on a range of distances across the wider London T100 weekend.
“Events like this are so important. Triathlon is fun, but it also provides great life skills - learning to swim, to get on a bike, to run,” Nicholls added.
Advice for newcomers
“Just enjoy it,” Nicholls said. “Be in the moment, take a breath, and look around you. It's about the people. Triathlon is a solo sport, but the community it builds is really important. Whether it's warming up with coffee afterwards, or encouraging each other to get in in the first place, triathlon builds something special.
“Give it a go and don't compare yourself to anybody else because it's your moment. And you never just do one triathlon - there's always more.”
Exciting times ahead
It is an exciting time for the London triathlon community, with a packed weekend of competition to look forward to. WTCS racing returns to the city for the first time since 2015, and around 100 of the world’s top triathletes are set to compete. Some standout British names will feature, including Olympic champion Alex Yee and former World Champion and current leader in the 2026 World Championship, Beth Potter.
Both elite races will finish in under an hour, with the sprint format promising fast, spectator-friendly racing. The WTCS race will be based around ExCeL London in the Docklands, and it is free to watch. Nicholls hopes watching such decorated competitors in person will motivate more people to join local triathlon clubs or participate in future British Triathlon events.
“Lots of people will have seen these athletes on TV or read about them,” said Nicholls. “Watching them up close will inspire people to get involved with triathlons or with swimming, cycling or running.”
