Pro Athlete Max Stapley Dominates the Short Course

Meet Max Stapley, a 25-year-old British professional triathlete, with an affinity for short course triathlon. Born in France, and raised in Canada and Australia, this politics, philosophy and economics graduate is in his first year as a pro and now based in the UK. 

Ranked #15 in the Super League Series '23 and #83 in the World Triathlon rankings (at the time of writing), Max has big goals for 2024. He recently competed at the World Triathlon Club in Chengdu, China in April 2024 where he found a way to pull clear of a four-deep lead group over the last lap to deliver an epic first place finish. 

We caught up with Max to find out more about his triathlon journey. 

Fuelling The Triathlon Passion

Hailing from Wollongong, NSW, Australia, Max's tryst with triathlon began at the age of 14. At this early age he discovered the possibility of turning his passion into a career. He found inspiration from the renowned Wollongong Wizards under Jamie Turner's mentorship and over the years he participated in countless races. 

One race however stands out - the Bundesliga Race in Schliersee, Germany. Max fondly reminisces about the breathtaking alpine scenery and the exhilarating challenges posed by the racecourse, making it a memorable experience.

The Heart of Triathlon

When asked about his love for triathlon, Max reflects on the evolving relationship he shares with the sport. While initially, the allure wasn't as strong, the sheer exhilaration of pushing his physical boundaries and exploring new terrains on his bike gradually grew on him. Max's passion for triathlon emanates from the joy of traveling, meeting new people, and continually striving to be the best version of himself as an athlete.

Among the triathlon disciplines, Max's heart lies in cycling, attributing it to the scenic routes and adventures it offers. Conversely, swimming, with its repetitive nature, ranks as his least favorite discipline.

Triathlon Triumphs and Challenges

In Max's journey, triumphs and setbacks have shaped his resilience. A debilitating injury in 2021, resulting from a femoral neck stress fracture, forced Max into a period of recuperation, highlighting the inherent challenges of the sport. After restarting his training in 2022 this soon became a distant memory as he stood on the podium at Ironman Bahrain 70.3 in 2023 marking a significant milestone in his career and opening doors to new career possibilities. Shortly after the win at Laguna Phuket Triathlon was celebrated as a race to remember. 

Other strong performances, such as his 8th place among an impressive field at the World Triathlon Championships in Hong Kong in March, and his 2nd place at the eGames World Championships in London in April only fuelled his hunger and determination for the recent win at Chengdu. 

When asked about his race day rituals Max said he relies on his trusty pair of noise-canceling headphones to stay focused amidst the chaos. As a professional athlete, he also acknowledges the luxury of prioritizing training and racing without the added constraints of balancing work.

The Triathlon Balancing Act

Motivation, for Max, stems from his insatiable desire for progress and the thrill of pushing his limits. Traveling the world, meeting diverse communities, and embracing new cultures serve as constant reminders of why he fell in love with the sport.

To aspiring triathletes, Max says, “Make sure you enjoy the journey, be consistent and hydrate well. These are crucial elements for success”.

When asked about his dream relay team partner, Max promptly nominates his girlfriend, Kate Waugh, citing their shared passion for the sport and unwavering support for each other.

Life Beyond Triathlon

Off the racecourse, Max exudes a zest for life, akin to a lively cartoon character, constantly on the move. Despite the allure of various destinations, Max finds solace in the Girona/Banyoles region, cherishing its ideal blend of training grounds and culinary delights.

Looking ahead, Max's bucket list extends beyond triathlon, envisioning epic biking adventures through Southeast Asia with his partner. It's a testament to Max's adventurous spirit and his commitment to embracing life's myriad experiences.

Follow Max's journey at https://www.instagram.com/max_stapley/