In the world of endurance sports, athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. But for Leanne Szeto, a professional Ironman triathlete and aeronautical engineer from Hong Kong (now based in Melbourne Australia), pink is the color that defines her journey both on and off the racecourse.
Having devoted over two decades to sports, Leanne has embraced a unique blend of femininity and fierce athleticism. Known to her followers as "Pink Boss," she is often seen racing in her iconic pink gear—her personal ode to a childhood passion for ballet. But beyond the bright, bold colors lies an athlete with an unwavering commitment to her craft and a tenacity that has fueled her success in a grueling sport.
The Birth of a Triathlete
Leanne's triathlon journey is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences with ballet, where she first encountered the color pink, a symbol of grace and performance. “I was crazy about ballet when I was young and even dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina. Ballet dresses are always in pink, and that’s how it became my favorite color,” she reflects. For her, racing in pink means more than just a fashion statement; it's about embodying the discipline and artistry she learned from ballet and translating that into every race.
Her transition into triathlon stemmed from a desire to stand out, to do something "unusual." "Involving in sport at an early age let me understand the importance of good work ethic and attitude in achieving any goal," she says. That understanding carried her from the ballet studio to the unforgiving terrain of long-distance triathlons, where mental and physical resilience are tested in equal measure.
Overcoming Setbacks
Every athlete faces moments of doubt, and for Leanne, the turning point came after the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, when she transitioned from full-time training to a career as an aeronautical engineer. "I felt I was not making any progress and lost motivation in triathlon," she admits. But rather than walk away from the sport, Leanne reset her goals and embraced marathon racing as a way to rediscover her passion.
The experience taught her a crucial lesson: giving up was never an option. “I realized I really don’t want to look back one day and say, ‘I should not have given up,’” she adds. Her perseverance paid off, and Leanne has now been involved in sport for over 20 years—an achievement she holds dear.
Triathlete Meets Engineer: Balancing Passion and Career
Leanne is not just a full-time athlete; she is also a full-time aeronautical engineer. The duality of her career as a high-performing professional in two very different fields speaks to her exceptional time management and determination. “With passion and determination, you will find a way,” she says, humbly encapsulating how she has managed to excel in both areas.
As someone who embodies the balance between athleticism and intellect, Leanne wants to be remembered not only for her love of pink or her athletic achievements but for showing that one can pursue multiple passions and excel at both.
A Partnership Built on Adventure
Leanne’s collaboration with 2nu, a performance sunglasses brand, is a natural fit for her adventurous spirit. “2nu’s vision aims to make the best performance sunglasses for every adventure on the planet. My triathlon journey is an adventure, but at the same time, life itself is a great adventure,” she says. Their shared ethos is encapsulated in the “Pink Boss Series” of 2nu sunglasses, which she proudly wears on race day. For Leanne, they are more than just an accessory—they represent her pursuit of excellence, turning each race into a performance, just like the ballet stages of her childhood.
With 2nu’s sunnies, Leanne has the perfect blend of style and function. “As an endurance sport athlete, I spend a lot of time training outdoors. 2nu sunnies are so important to protect my eyes from hours of direct sun,” she adds, highlighting how critical the right gear is for her demanding schedule.
Looking Ahead
Leanne’s future is as bright as her signature pink gear. One of the few professional Ironman athletes representing Hong Kong, China, her ambition for the next three years is clear: to podium in a professional Ironman race, competing against the world's top athletes. It’s a lofty goal, but for someone who has consistently pushed herself beyond the limits, it’s within reach.
To aspiring athletes, Leanne’s advice is simple yet profound: “Find joy in the process of becoming.” For her, the journey—the daily grind of training, the discipline it instills, and the passion that drives it all—is where the true magic happens. It’s a message not just for athletes, but for anyone chasing a dream.
Leanne Szeto’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unshakable belief in the power of pink. Whether she’s racing across a triathlon course or designing aircrafts as an engineer, her commitment to excellence shines through. In a sport where success is measured in hours and minutes, Leanne has shown that it’s the love for the process, the journey, and the ability to keep going that truly defines greatness.
As she looks to the future, with new goals and exciting collaborations, one thing is certain: Leanne Szeto will continue to stand out—bold, determined, and always in pink.
Check out her Pink Boss Collection