ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

If you’ve followed First Knight Racing for a while, you’ll know that we occasionally highlight some of the athletes on our First Knight Racing Team. Today’s athlete spotlight article covers our interview with team member Ryan Lawrence of Union City, PA. Ryan has quite a racing resume, and has won several of our events. He’ll also be hosting a swim clinic during Peasantman packet pickup on the Saturday before the race. 

First Knight: Ryan, how did you first get involved with the First Knight Racing team?

Ryan: I was at a social event that was hosted by Grim Reapers Fitness NE Tri Club and he was introduced to me as the guy who started Peasantman. I completed my first Peasantman sprint in 2022 and almost DNF'd due to health reasons. Because of this, I spent a decent amount of time speaking with Joe after the event and was able to get to know him better and learn more about First Knight Racing. So in 2023 when he came up to me after the ROC Tri and asked if I’d be willing to join the team, I was extremely honored and immediately said yes! I love the events that First Knight Racing hosts and I wish there were more.

First Knight: How did you first get into multisport racing?

Ryan: I got into multisport events because of a former athlete I coached, and injuries from marathon training forced me into the pool and onto the bike more in 2014-15. I consider 2016 my official multisport debut since it was my first ever Intermediate Distance at Keuka, and it was the first year I raced at least three races (12 or 13 in total). Ironically, Keuka was my first intermediate triathlon win in the summer of 2019 when it was hosting the New York State Championships. Then after covid I had a hiatus for a couple years due to health issues stemming from Covid, Lyme's, and some cardiac issues.

My reappearance to multisport started again in 2024 with the Keuka Tri Intermediate, with a top 10 overall finish. And to come back in 2025 and stand on top of the podium again to represent First Knight Racing has to be one of my proudest moments in sport, because without Joe and others, I wouldn't have been racing.

First Knight: What are your proudest achievements in your racing career?

Ryan: There are many moments that are special. Whether it was finishing my first 70.3 in 2016 at Syracuse (5:44) to breaking the 5-hour barrier at Raleigh in 2017 (4:56)… to winning my first 70.3 event in 2021.

Things like earning All-American status in my age-group and standing on the podium at USAT National Championships for Sprint, Intermediate, and Long Triathlons are some moments I can recall being very proud.

I would say each year almost every race has a moment where I can say I am proud, regardless of the result. But as I was reminded recently, it’s the other people at the races. Like running into “Navy Brad” at AG Nationals this year (2025). I met him in Raleigh in 2017, and even though we hadn't spoken since, we conversed just like it was only a race ago. It was great! Making those types of connections is what this sport is about, and what I feel First Knight Racing embraces.

First Knight: What is your favorite part of being involved with First Knight Racing?

Ryan: I love being associated with Joe and the First Knight events! I wanted to be more involved - with mentorship, open water swim clinics, and maybe transition clinics. So this year I’ll be hosting a swim clinic at Peasantman during packet pickup on Saturday August 16th at 1pm.

First Knight: What advice would you give to new multisport athletes?

Ryan: Don't overthink, just relax and have fun! Don't be afraid to ask/talk/engage with other athletes. They look intimidating but most are truly amazing people who like to help, and love fitness and using multisport as an excuse to live. 

First Knight: Anything else you’d like to mention?

Ryan: Honestly the tri community is absolutely amazing. And if it wasn't for the local triathlon community – everyone associated with First Knight, RATs, and Southern Tier – I might have never attempted a return to Multisport after my first super sprint race in June of 2024. I ended that race and was just HURTING mentally and physically. I was in really rough shape and contemplated just ‘retiring’. However, remembered Joe after the ROC triathlon and wisely kept training for his race at the end of August. Which resulted in a huge success. I managed to put together a great race at Peasantman. Even though the splits weren't exactly what I wanted, it was the best 'feeling' race I had all summer and of course I was hooked... again! So, I decided to make 2025 a comeback to remember.

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