Ruby Cheng: Triathlon Trailblazer

As Ruby Cheng crossed the Ironman World Championship finish line in Kona in 2023, surrounded by women from across the globe, she felt the weight of her journey lift. "The moment…was more than a personal victory, it's a celebration of resilience and the transformative power of sports," says the 33-year-old Hong Kong triathlete.

From a Finnair flight attendant facing redundancy, a debilitating back injury, and struggles with binge-eating, Ruby has risen to become a global Ironman contender and the founder of No Limits Coaching. With podium finishes like the 2023 Ironman Cairns, 2023 Ironman 70.3 Port Elizabeth, and 2024 Singapore T100, Ruby's story is one of grit, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of new heights.

Discovering Triathlon

"My passion for triathlon is developed by a combination of factors that build my confidence and showcase my abilities," Ruby Cheng says. "As I pushed through the challenge of training, I discovered strengths I never knew I had." What began as a spark in her 20s transformed into a powerful force, shaping her identity, enhancing her physical and mental well-being, and giving her purpose while connecting her to a global community of inspiring triathletes. "The camaraderie and friendships formed during races and training sessions enriched my life," she adds.

Despite her athletic roots, Ruby wasn't always drawn to sports. "I come from a swimming family and I have always been in and out of the pool when I was a kid," she recalls, though she was never interested in competition or training: "I always tried to make excuses for not doing it." Triathlon emerged as a meditative outlet later in life. "I find training triathlons is my meditation to help me focus on other areas of life," she explains. "It's my way to remain calm when I'm under stress."

Conquering Setbacks

Ruby's path to the Ironman World Championship was far from smooth sailing. "Facing all these challenges were undoubtedly some of the lowest moments in my life," she says of redundancy, a back injury, and struggles with binge-eating. "Each of the experiences forced me to confront my vulnerabilities and reassess my relationship with myself." Triathlon became her way to reclaim her health, making her a stronger athlete and person. Setbacks became opportunities for Ruby to grow, teaching her the importance of resilience, patience, mindfulness, and discipline. "Facing fears while moving forward and determination to overcome obstacles have greatly helped me in sports and daily life," she says. "The mindset shifts enable me to face fears head-on, to become a better version of myself every day."

Investing over HK$80,000 in her Ironman dream was a daring leap. "Investing everything in my dream is a bold decision, but I felt a strong calling that could lead to personal growth and fulfillment," she says. "It's a decision fueled by passion and my quest to see how far I can go." Qualifying for the Ironman World Championship was a surreal experience. "When I qualified for the Ironman World Championship, I was overwhelmed for weeks with an incredible rush of joy and also fear," she admits. "I literally cannot believe it—the dream that I have kept for a long time has an opportunity to come true." Her hard work, sacrifices, and challenges came to fruition beautifully. "Sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith and really believe in yourself," she shares. "You have the ability to make a change in your life."

Moments of Triumph

Crossing the Kona finish line in 2023 was a defining moment that fuelled her mission to empower women through sport. "It was incredible to witness the diversity of stories that brought us to that moment," Ruby reflects. Surrounded by women, she felt their shared purpose. "It was incredible to witness the diversity of stories that brought us to that moment. It reminded me that strength isn't just about physical endurance—it's about the courage to confront our vulnerabilities and show up, even though sometimes the odds are against us."

In 2024, Ruby improved from 317th in Kona to 282nd out of over 1,300 women in Nice. Her preparation was meticulous, following a structured training program that necessitated flexibility with her work schedule. Nutrition became key as she focused on fueling her body every day to keep her recovery and training on track. Mentally, she relied on self-affirmation. "I developed a mantra to repeat during tough moments. It helps me to remember how far I have come and pushed through." Visualization became a tool to "put the race in [her] head and cross that finish line every single day until the race."

Her swimming prowess shone in Nice's Mediterranean waters, giving her a competitive edge in a chaotic environment and helping her stay calm and focused. "The water is stunning with the vibrant blue, but the waves are unpredictable…every stroke reminds me that I come from very far and I'm here to take on the challenge ahead of me."

Empowering Athletes

Through No Limits Coaching, Ruby empowers athletes. "My transformational coaching approach focuses not just on training plans but on fostering mental, emotional, and physical growth," she says. "I believe in building strong relationships based on trust and open communication where they are comfortable to share their challenges and aspirations." She fosters resilience by framing setbacks as opportunities. "By cultivating a growth mindset and celebrating progress, I hope my athletes not only succeed in their sport but also in challenges beyond the arena."

One athlete's transformation stands out: a man with no swimming skills struggling with obesity, chronic back pain, and low self-esteem. Starting from scratch, they built habits and shifted his mindset to "I'm becoming." In three years, he completed multiple Ironman 70.3 races, a full Ironman, and a 70.3 World Championship. "For me, the real finish line is when a person reclaims their confidence and identity."

Ruby is also dedicated to empowering women through sport. "I believe sports are more than just physical," she says, highlighting how sports build confidence, self-esteem, and mental resilience for life's challenges. By sharing her journey as a Hong Kong triathlete and Ironman World Championship contender, Ruby aims to become a role model for young women, inspiring them to challenge social stereotypes and pursue their dreams.

Looking Ahead

Ruby Cheng's podium finishes are significant milestones, yet her greatest pride lies in her coaching impact. Through No Limits Coaching, she has helped athletes achieve goals that they once thought impossible. "Being able to witness their growth, resilience, and triumphs is profoundly fulfilling… it reflects my core coaching philosophy that with the right support and mindset, barriers can be broken." Looking ahead, Ruby is focused on community. "I'm committed to continuing my work in coaching, helping others pursue their triathlon dreams while fostering a supportive community," she shares.

For women intimidated by triathlon, Ruby offers practical advice: "Start small and focus on progress rather than perfection. Remember that everyone starts small—it's okay to feel nervous but also embrace that part of the journey." Her greatest lesson is resilience: "To be able to bend but not break, to be able to face fear and move forward despite it." This mindset shapes her approach to life's challenges, emphasizing adaptability. "Take control of what can be done and change your attitude in what cannot be done," she affirms. "It's either win or learn—mistakes and failures are the opportunity for growth."