Rachel Kolisi has revealed that her first‑ever triathlon ended with an unexpected hospital visit — but fortunately, she escaped with no serious injuries.
A Milestone Race for a New Chapter
On Sunday 7 December, Rachel took to Instagram to share that she had completed her first triathlon — a milestone many fitness enthusiasts spend years working up to.She described the experience as life‑changing, saying she had gained a “whole new respect” for triathlon athletes and confessed she might already be hooked.
Her race of choice was WW X Tri, held at Paul Cluver Estate Wines in Cape Town — the same event she had been training for over the past few months.
In the build‑up to the race, Rachel had publicly asked her network to borrow a mountain bike so she could properly prepare — a humble request that resonated with many who follow her fitness journey.
Gratitude, Growth — and a Gruelling Finish
In her post, Rachel gave a heartfelt thanks to the organisers and the people who supported her: the event team behind WW X Tri; the bike specialists from OlympicCycles for supplying her wheels; and a friend who encouraged her to take the plunge.
She wrote:
“I did my very first triathlon today!! I have a whole new respect for these athletes 🥵… If you’ve been thinking about doing one, this is your sign to just sign up!”
Her excitement and pride were contagious — a sentiment echoed by many of her followers, eager to see what’s next for her.
The Fall — and a Trip to Hospital
But the day didn’t end entirely on a high note. Rachel confessed that she landed in hospital after what she called a “very silly fall.” While the details of the fall were not fully disclosed, she assured fans that she suffered no broken bones, describing it as a minor but embarrassing mishap.
Despite the scare, Rachel’s tone remained upbeat — the fall didn’t overshadow the overall achievement or dampen her spirit. Her message ended with an optimistic note: “Here’s to many more adventures!”
More Than Just a Race — A Statement of Resilience
This triathlon isn’t just about crossing a finish line for Rachel. In 2025 she stepped down from her role as CEO at Kolisi Foundation and started a new movement called Falling Forward — signaling a fresh chapter in her life.
Her triathlon journey also seems to be part of a larger shift — a commitment to her health, wellness, and personal growth after major life changes.
By sharing not just the highlights, but the stumble, the hospital visit and the recovery, Rachel showed vulnerability — a reminder that even the strongest moments often come with a price. And yet, she’s choosing to keep moving forward.
What Fans Are Saying
The reaction on social media was overwhelmingly supportive. Many praised her courage and tenacity, applauding her for leading by example. Comments ranged from admiration for her athleticism to relief she emerged with no serious injury — with some even encouraging her to take part in a similar event in Johannesburg next year.
One friend and fellow cyclist — tagged in her post — even called her “a machine,” urging her to get back on the bike soon.
Rachel Kolisi’s first triathlon — though ending with a hospital visit — reads less like a cautionary tale and more like the prologue to a new beginning. With grit, grace, and an honest display of both triumph and struggle, she’s setting a powerful example: falling doesn’t mean failure — sometimes, it’s just the necessary stumble before the next stride.
