28 Apr From SEA Games Gold to Triathlon: Ellyn Tan’s Next Adventure
Ellyn Tan is no stranger to the podium. A SEA Games gold medalist in sailing, she’s spent years chasing wind shifts, braving unpredictable conditions, and making strategic calls on the fly. But earlier this year, she traded in her sails for swim goggles, a bike, and running shoes—and emerged victorious once again.
At her very first triathlon—the MetaSprint Sprint Series Triathlon—Ellyn not only crossed the finish line but clinched the top spot in her category. It was a remarkable debut, but for those who know her grit and competitive spirit, it may not have been all that surprising.
So, what drove this accomplished sailor to dive into triathlon?
“I was searching for a new physical challenge after completing my first half-marathon last October,” Ellyn shares. “I’d joked about doing triathlon in the past, but with encouragement (and persuasion) from my triathlete friends, I finally committed and signed up for the MetaSprint Series.”
While sailing and triathlon might seem worlds apart—one a strategic dance with nature, the other a test of endurance and pacing—Ellyn found unexpected synergy between the two.
“My background in sailing has been more of an asset than a hindrance,” she explains. “It conditioned me to stay comfortable under the elements for long periods. And both sports demand a high level of mental resilience and discipline.”
One of the most transferable skills? The ability to self-coach. “Sailing taught me to be a self-directed learner. I’m used to analyzing performance footage and making adjustments. That same habit carried over into triathlon training.”
Despite her athletic pedigree, Ellyn approached her first triathlon with humility—and a very relatable goal: “Don’t fall off the bike at the U-turns,” she laughs.
But fall she did not. Instead, she surged ahead, especially during the swim—her strongest leg thanks to her competitive swimming background. “The swim gave me a good lead, which I definitely needed,” she says, recalling a transition mishap at T1. “I skipped transition practice and didn’t know where or how to exit. I ended up wasting time triple-checking everything and leaving via a more obstructed route.”
Yet, even with rookie hiccups, her solid training paid off. She followed a rough but steady plan, fitting in two bike and run sessions and one swim session each week—plus strength work. Juggling this with an unconventional 5.5-day work schedule meant lots of solo sessions. Still, she credits her progress to a mix of personal determination and a supportive group of cycling-savvy friends who guided her through road riding and maintenance basics.
While this might have been a “one-time challenge” for some, Ellyn isn’t ruling out more races. In fact, she’s already thinking ahead. “I had a great experience at the MetaSprint Series and definitely have several things to improve on. I do hope to at least do a standard triathlon in the coming years.”
Whether it’s trimming seconds off a transition time or adjusting sails mid-race, Ellyn Tan’s mindset remains the same: learn, adapt, and give it her all.
Her journey from sea to land proves that champions aren’t defined by a single sport—they’re defined by their courage to keep evolving.
And if her debut is any indication, Ellyn’s triathlon chapter is just beginning.
