Emma Lombardi

Liv Triathlete

Meet Emma

Birth date: September 12, 2001 | Location: Saint Raphaël, France | Birthplace: Chambéry, France

Emma Lombardi is a dynamic force in the world of triathlon racing, whose journey from a kid’s race to the global stage is nothing short of inspiring. Emma’s introduction to the sport was both serendipitous and exciting, tagging along with her mom and discovering the thrill of competing in a sport with three disciplines. What started as a fun hobby quickly turned into a passion, propelling her towards professional success.

Emma’s story is a tapestry of achievements, her rise to professional status has been swift, with career highlights that include an Under 23 World Championship Title in 2021 and a top-three overall finish in Elite Women at the 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series. But it’s not all training and racing for Emma; she finds joy in baking, painting, and even belly dancing. Dive into our full interview to discover more about Emma’s inspirations, her most memorable races, and how she balances the demands of being a top-tier athlete with the simpler pleasures of life.

Liv: How did you get into Triathlon racing, and how did you feel when you first realized you wanted to compete at a competitive level?

Emma: I got into triathlon racing by joining my mom when she did one, and I did the kid race. It was quite exciting to start training in a new sport with three disciplines and was always having fun competing in a triathlon.

Liv: Who inspired you when you were young? And who inspires you now?

Emma: I’d say the French swimmer Camille Muffat and biathlete Martin Fourcade. Now, I’m really impressed and inspired by Simone Biles, the American Gymnast.

Liv: Your journey to become a professional athlete happened fairly quickly, what are some of the greatest highlights in your career so far?

Emma: I think the greatest highlights so far for me are winning the U23 World Title in 2021, fourth place for my first Elite World Triathlon Championship Series in Yokohama in 2022, and then my first podium the same year in Cagliari. Most recently the third place overall at the WTCS in 2023.

Liv: How do you maintain a balance between rigorous training schedules and other aspects of your life, social life, and family?

Emma: It’s not easy to find the right balance but it’s important to sometimes have a bit of a break with eating, training, and sleeping, and do some other activities or just go out for a coffee with friends.

Liv: Could you share a memorable race experience that has had a significant impact on your journey as an athlete?

Emma: I think the WTCS Yokohama in 2022 had a huge impact on the rest of my 2022 season and the journey I've had so far. It was my first one and the fact that it went well opened some new doors for me, with my result I qualified for the 2022 European championship in Munich - where I finished third in the individual race and was part of the team that won the mixed relay and also allowed for the grand finals in Abu Dhabi later that year.

Liv: Can you describe a particularly challenging moment in your journey, and how did you overcome it?

Emma: I had a rough winter in 2023 with a lot of small injuries, my body wasn’t entirely rested from the 2022 season (which ended really late) so I had to be patient and trust the process, things slowly went back to normal and I was ready to train again.

Liv: How do you celebrate or unwind after a race, regardless of the result?

Emma: It depends, usually by calling my family to share my post-race feelings and if they are there, we all go to a restaurant together.

Liv: How do you enjoy spending your free time when you are not racing or training?

Emma: When I’m not training or racing I like to bake and try some new recipes as well as painting (definitely not a pro but it’s relaxing). I also like trying new brunch places or bakeries.

Liv: What’s your pre-race pump-up song or favorite band/artist?

Emma: I don’t really have a pre-race song but I listen to a lot of music while training. I enjoy Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and some 2000s music.

Liv: Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

Emma: I can belly dance and I can sing underwater during my swim session!

Liv: What is your favorite riding snack?

Emma: At the moment I’d say the bars from the brand Torq.

Liv: What do you love most about cycling?

Emma: Discovering new landscapes and how fast you can go!

Liv: What do you love most about your EnviLiv Advanced Pro?

Emma: It’s light and I can do anything with it, it’s very reactive and I can really push with it.

Follow Emma on Instagram