Taylor Reid

Ask Taylor Reid about his legacy and he’ll tell you “it’s still under construction”. Up to now the man from Caledon, Ontario has spent his time building some pretty nice foundations.

A string of top-10 finishes over middle distance resulted in a successful 2019 for the former Canadian U23 National Champion. He had earlier claimed victories at IRONMAN 70.3 events in Silverman in 2015, Victoria in 2016 and Puerto Rico in 2017.

‘T Bone’ - as he is also known - plumps for Mont-Tremblant 70.3 as his favourite event, and it’s easy to see why after second-place finishes there in 2015 and 2017 and fifth in 2016 and 2019.

Reid, who had always fostered a love of the outdoors having been a runner and mountain biker, began his triathlon journey as a teenager.

“When I was about 16 my coach suggested I give triathlon a real try, so I jumped in with my first real triathlon race being Canadian Junior Nationals were I almost got lapped out,” he explains.

“I really liked the challenge and I have been in triathlon ever since. I moved up to long-course racing when I was 24 after a few strong results at U23 nationals but found I was much better at non draft.”

In his spare time Taylor loves to paint, and as well as that tells us: “I am also dyslexic. I found that individual sports and being dyslexic worked well together”. When he is not competing, Reid works with the International Dyslexia Association to spread awareness of the disability.

In terms of things he can’t do without, it is a good cup of coffee and the ability to get outside into nature. The favourite cheat meal meanwhile is chocolate cake or a butter tart.

As for his most painful moments in triathlon, Taylor says: “Probably in 2017 Worlds when I had run the half-marathon with Runner’s Knee and just lost a sprint finish against Jackson (Laundry). Or having a mechanical on the bike - those just hurt.”

Taylor’s career, whilst still under construction, of course, has already given him some special moments.

When asked what he is most proud of, he says: “That is a tough one I am proud of a few race performances and happy to have been able to share them with my parents.

“But I am probably most proud of being able to motivate, inspire and teach a few young kids about triathlon and how fun it can be.”