Luiza Pais Reflects on Pro Career and Encourages Women
After two years in the elite division, the triathlete reflects on high-performance lessons and invites more women to take the leap.
In an interview during the coverage of IRONMAN 70.3 Florianópolis, Luiza Pais shared key lessons from two years of competing in the professional triathlon division. The athlete highlighted the technical and mental growth gained from the elite field and offered words of encouragement for other women to embrace the challenge.
The experience of lining up at the professional start of a major triathlon transforms not only a triathlete's physical routine, but their entire competitive mindset. In a backstage conversation at the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Florianópolis, Luiza Pais opened up about her two years competing in the elite field, offering a candid assessment of the journey's rewards and her decision to reorganize her priorities.
For Luiza, being part of the pro peloton requires a daily commitment that extends far beyond race day. Training alongside other high-level competitors acts as a catalyst for growth, pushing dedication and energy in training to the limit. According to her, a potential return to age-group (amateur) racing is not driven by elite-level frustration, but by the need to balance personal life demands—allowing flexibility for family time and rest with her children without the heavy self-imposed pressure of the pro division.
Courage and encouragement for the women's elite
When asked what she would say to other women dreaming of testing the waters in professional triathlon, Luiza was emphatic in encouraging them to take the leap. The triathlete stressed that she found a welcoming and respectful environment among fellow competitors, reinforcing that fear of judgment or high demands should never hold anyone back from pushing their limits.
Luiza recalled competing from age 9 to 22, after which she stepped away entirely from racing to focus on her professional career and motherhood. This time, however, returning to amateur sports comes with a different mindset: keeping triathlon as a source of joy, wellness, and health—open to new cycles of intense training when her schedule allows, but without compromising daily happiness.
