Erika Ackerlund: Podium, Challenges, and the Spirit of Triathlon
Triathlete Erika Ackerlund shares her journey to the podium and her vision for the World Cup Rio 2026.
In an exclusive conversation with Stemma Sports, American triathlete Erika Ackerlund shares the behind-the-scenes story of her rise in triathlon. She details the excitement of her first World Cup podium, her transition to the new Podium Racing team, and her impressions of the Rio course. Ackerlund also offers valuable advice for beginners, emphasizing the importance of 'speed and joy' in the sport.
In a conversation straight from Rio de Janeiro, American triathlete Erika Ackerlund shares her insights with Stemma Sports, during coverage of a preparatory event for the World Triathlon Cup Rio 2026. In an interview conducted by Gabriele Leme, Erika discusses everything from the excitement of her first world podium to the challenges of an international career and her new team, Podium Racing.
Achieving the Podium and Gaining Confidence
Erika Ackerlund recalls her first podium finish at a Triathlon World Cup, a milestone that, she says, exceeded her own expectations. The triathlete had always been surprised by her results, but the podium in an elite setting was especially significant. The race, which featured a less intense cycling leg and was decided in the run, demonstrated her ability even in non-ideal conditions. The decisive moment, in the final stretch with three other athletes, made her think: “Don't be fourth!” This result brought new confidence and a change in mindset, spurring her to aim for victory.
Podium Racing: A New Chapter
This year, Erika Ackerlund celebrates a new chapter in her career with Podium Racing, a team that emerged from the Super Tri Racing project and aims to offer continuous support to athletes, as well as promote community engagement. Erika expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity to be part of a team, something she had long wished for, as short course triathlon is dominated by federations. She hopes the project continues to grow and benefit other athletes.
Circuit Challenges and Impressions of Rio
With experience in various races around the world, Erika Ackerlund shared her first impressions of the Rio de Janeiro course. Although open water swimming in the ocean is not her strong suit, she saw the race as a chance to challenge herself and practice aspects like the beach-to-bike transition. She noted that the ocean in Rio was calm and without many waves, which favors a fast and flat race, with few turns in the cycling leg. The triathlete emphasized the importance of continuing to work on her speed and improve her less strong points to remain competitive.
Balance and Overcoming Injuries
Erika describes herself as a consistent athlete across all three disciplines – swimming, cycling, and running – without a single dominant area of excellence. She has focused on improving swimming and running, her most challenging areas. Additionally, the athlete had to learn to cope with the demands of travel and injuries. After a spinal injury (herniated disc), she and her team developed strategies to manage her travel routine, ensuring her body is recovered and ready for competitions, avoiding overload.
"Speed and Joy": Erika's Philosophy
When describing her racing style in two words, Erika Ackerlund reveals her motto: “speed and joy”. She loves the sensation of going fast, finding flow on both the bike and the run. More than that, “joy” represents the fun of competing, the pleasure of being there, even when the moment is daunting. This mindset of seeking speed and fun on the course is her secret to success.
Advice for Beginner Triathletes
For those embarking on triathlon for the first time, Erika offers valuable advice: the sport is full of challenging moments, such as open water swimming or dismounting the bike. However, it is crucial to recognize and value the moments when things go right and you feel good. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed only by difficulties; pay attention to the positive sensations and the fun that the journey offers. This perspective helps maintain motivation and enjoy every stage of the experience.
Erika Ackerlund's passion for triathlon and her resilience in the face of challenges serve as inspiration for athletes of all levels. Her journey in the sport is a reminder that, with dedication, balance, and a dose of “speed and joy,” it is possible to achieve great feats and fully experience the sport.