1. FULL NAME: Yanto Leslie Jones (yes, Leslie — don’t laugh!)
2. BIRTHPLACE: Galway City
3. OCCUPATION: I’ve had a number of different careers. After finishing school, I studied Electrical Engineering and ended up working in construction for many years. The low point of this was building a new store in Trump Tower on 5th Avenue in New York and having to regularly present our progress to that flute Donald T — yes, thatone who’s currently causing havoc worldwide and resulting in the cost of tires for our fine bikes increasing exponentially. After returning from New York, we were in the midst of the Celtic Tiger crash, so I had to retrain and decided on software engineering. I’ve been doing that ever since and currently work as a Senior Engineering Manager for Genesys.
4. PREVIOUS SPORTS: Fishing. I was pretty competitive, travelling around the country and abroad to compete. Ironically, I gave up the competition side because there was too much practice, travel, and expense — only to take up triathlon, where none of those are present. LOL.
5. SWIM / BIKE / RUN – which do you prefer and why? All three are new to me, and if you asked me the same question weekly, you’d probably get a different answer. Three months ago, it would have been the bike — I seemed to take to it well enough. Swimming back then was tough (still is), but going from being completely gassed after 15 meters in the pool to swimming with the intermediate group and doing 2k in a session, I’d have to say swimming is my current favorite. The once-dreaded pool session is now one I look forward to. Thanks, Laura!
6. FAVOURITE EVENT: I’ve only done one — Try a Tri — so it has to be that. The buzz the night before was similar to when I used to prepare for a big fishing competition: unable to sleep with excitement. Then during the event, meeting other competitors from different clubs and exchanging stories was great, and crossing the finish line, pure relief!
7. SPORTING CLAIM TO FAME: When I was 18, I had the privilege of representing Ireland at the World Shore Angling Championships in the Netherlands. What an experience — one that will stay with me forever. I see many of the same traits in GTC as there were in Team Ireland: togetherness, friendship, competitiveness, and also an obsession with toys of the trade
8. GUILTY PLEASURE: After Covid and lockdown ended, my wife and I said life is too short and booked Aniar restaurant, spending a small fortune but enjoying every minute of it — an eight-course tasting menu with wine pairing. Since then, my idea of relaxation is eating nice food and drinking nice wine.
9. FAVOURITE PLACE TO TRAIN? The back roads by my house in Rahoon on the bike – countryside, cows, fresh air, all within a stone’s throw of my house – where would you get it?!
10. YOUR GTC HERO – AND WHY? There are many, but I’ll mention three. Kate and Dara, for the effort, dedication, encouragement, and energy they brought every day to the Strength & Conditioning sessions.

As a newbie to the club, rocking up to the first session without knowing anyone was a bit daunting, but within minutes I felt like one of the gang. Who wants to get up at 6 AM for S&C? It ended up being a session I looked forward to.

Lastly, James Brennan — 100 × 100 @ 1:30. James, are you taking the p*ss?! If I end up doing 1 × 100 @ 1:30, my year will be made!

2.⁠ ⁠BIRTHPLACE Born in Cork, can’t you tell by the accent?  I lived in Dublin for 2 years after University and have called Galway home since 2004.

3.⁠ ⁠OCCUPATION It’s complicated… in the best possible way. I’m an International Race Announcer, Event MC, Presenter and host of the Tri Talking Sport podcast. As one of the global voices of the IRONMAN Group, I get to travel the world announcing IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3, EPIC MTB and UTMB events, closer to home I work across a variety of sporting, corporate and charity events.

4.⁠ ⁠PREVIOUS SPORTS I was an Irish dancer from a young age, played Camogie with my local club, played, hockey and basketball in school, soccer and badminton at University. Shortly after I moved to Galway I played Tag Rugby, which led me to playing rugby for Galwegians and Connacht before triathlon beckoned and I embraced the ‘Tri Life’

5.⁠ ⁠SWIM / BIKE / RUN The bike has always been my favourite, even as a kid, cycling the backroads of Cork with my dad. The freedom, the speed, the adventure I love it . Running took more convincing, but when you’re travelling constantly it’s the one thing you can always do, so I basically forced myself into liking it. It worked, the GTC Saturday Long Run is now one of my favourite sessions of the week and the post-run dip and breakfast are absolutely part of the deal.

6.⁠ ⁠FAVOURITE EVENT (CAN SWIM/BIKE/RUN OR TRIATHLON)  Where do I even start,  I’ve been in endurance sport and the triathlon club since 2009, so there’s quite the back catalogue. Marathons, half marathons, an 8k open water swim, racing around Ireland on the bike, but the one that stands out recently is our own club race, last year’s Tribesman Sprint race.  Home event, incredible vibe and support on the course and for once I got to participate in a race instead of announcing one. Fitting racing around an announcing schedule is a logistical nightmare, so this one felt like a proper treat and it was a super day out!

7.⁠ ⁠SPORTING CLAIM TO FAME The Race Around Ireland with the Galway Baybes in 2017. Not sure how you top that at any level. Brutal, brilliant and the achievement I’m most proud of.

8.⁠ ⁠GUILTY PLEASURE: After an extended or hectic work trip I love nothing more than spending my first day at home on the couch in my pj’s binging on Netflix, Day of the week? Irrelevant. The couch is getting me.

9. FAVOURITE PLACE TO TRAIN? I get to travel to lots of amazing places with my work, but there really is no place like home, despite the West of Ireland weather. We are so lucky to have a multitude of options for swimming, cycling and running outdoors on our doorstep in Galway.

10⁠ ⁠YOUR GTC HERO – AND WHY? Can I pick everyone? Specifically, the beginners. The ones who show up not knowing what they’re getting into, a little nervous, probably wondering what on earth they’ve signed up for. Triathlon is fun, but it’s daunting, no matter your background or ability. It takes real courage to take that first step. But here’s the thing, that first step can genuinely change your life. I know it changed mine (far beyond my current occupation). So if you’re new to the club and the sport, welcome, well done and buckle up. The hard part is already done, now the fun begins.

Why Join Galway Triathlon Club?

Join us for HerOutdoors Week at Galway Triathlon Club from August 11th 2025 although we are starting a day early! This is a celebration dedicated to empowering women through outdoor sports and activities. All events are open to non-members also and we would encourage any women who you know are thinking of joining the club to participate. 

EVENTS:
Sunday, 10th August – Leap into the Open Water with Aisling Lynch 

Come along to an empowering and exhilarating experience with Aisling from Into the Blue Aquatic Wellbeing. This unique event invites women to embrace their strength and courage by taking a leap off the iconic Blackrock Tower in Salthill – you can choose the steps if you prefer. It’s more than just a dip in the sea – it’s a celebration of empowerment, wellness, and community.

Saturday, 16th August – The Secrets to Running Success with Miriam: Running Skills & Drills

Ready to take your running to the next level? This expert-led session is designed to help you run smarter, stronger, and more comfortably. Led by experienced GTC coach Miriam, you’ll learn dynamic warm-up drills and skills that can help prevent those dreaded niggles and injuries. Discover how to build distance, improve your pace, and strengthen your running mindset.

Sunday 17th August – Bringing it all together: The Mini-Aquathon

Wrap up #HEROUTDOORSWEEK2025 with an exciting triathlon taster that brings together the skills you’ve built throughout the week! Put your open water confidence from Aisling’s swim session and running techniques from Miriam’s workshop to the test with a fun and supportive mini aquathlon: a 200m swim followed by a 2km run.

Galway Triathlon Club will host a number of events during HER Outdoors week aimed at encouraging more women to get moving and enjoy the benefits of being physically active outside. With a variety of events taking place across the week there are lots of opportunities to try something new and fun whilst being actively inspired.  From an outdoor yoga session, to a trail run, alongside mindfulness exercises by the sea to a motivational talk there is a great line up to choose from.

On Monday 12th August at 7am in Salthill an early yoga session will set you up for a productive week, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, the inclusive and gentle guidance will help you connect with nature and yourself in a profound way.

Sign up to YOGA HERE (Currently Fully Booked)

Tuesday 13th August at 7pm will see Jane Walsh Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Galway take centre stage alongside Guinness World Record Ultra Runner Sophie Power. This insightful motivational session will provide expert knowledge, personal stories, and practical advice to help you overcome challenges and pursue your dreams with confidence and determination.   A donation of €10 for SheRaces is requested at the time of booking

Sign up to the MOTIVATIONAL TALK HERE

Thursday morning at 7am Galway Triathlon Club coach Miriam Wall will lead a trail run in Cappagh Park, allowing you to connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit before facing into your day.  Miriam will guide participants in mindfulness exercises, encouraging you to be present in the moment and fully appreciate the natural beauty around you.

Sign up to the TRAIL RUN HERE

Rounding out the line-up of activities for HER Outdoors week is the opportunity to take the plunge and jump off the iconic Blackrock Diving Tower on Wednesday 21st August at 7am. Experienced swimming coach Aisling Lynch will be on hand to guide participants to embrace their fear to take a leap off the Tower into the waters of Galway Bay.

Sign up to the EMPOWERMENT SPLASH & TOWER JUMP HERE (Currently Fully Booked)

These events are being delivered by the Galway Triathlon Club supported by funding from Galway Sports Partnership, if you can’t attend please let us know so we can reallocate your place. To join the waitlist for fully booked events, please email womensofficer@galwaytri.ie

After a 6 year hiatus, triathlon racing returns to Galway City on the 16 June 2024

The Galway Triathlon Club proudly hosts the Tribesman Triathlon, featuring a stunning Sprint Triathlon. The swimming segment unfolds in the picturesque River Corrib, one of Europe’s shortest rivers at just 6km in length. As the fastest-flowing city river in Europe, participants can anticipate impressive personal best swim times. Following the swim, competitors embark on a fast flat bike out and back route, that leads towards Moycullen and along the new bypass, ultimately returning to the University of Galway. The race concludes with a scenic run, weaving through the captivating grounds of the University of Galway and alongside the banks of the River Corrib.

More details can be found on the race website HERE