Rachel Zilinskas
Professional Triathlete
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Rachel found her love for endurance sports at a young age in the water. Growing into one of the nation's best swimmers, Rachel competed both on the national and international stage, thriving specifically in the Open Water discipline. Upon the completion of her Division 1 collegiate swimming career at the University of Georgia, Rachel transitioned her focus to triathlons. She has already seen immense success during what is only the beginning of her professional triathlon career.
RZ
2024 Sponsors
Use code : zilinskas20 for 20% off products from Goodlife Brands
Results
2023 | Professional Season
IRONMAN Mont Tremblant Champion (First Out of the Water)
25th IRONMAN World Championships at Kona
7th IRONMAN Florida
2022 | Debut Pro Season
3rd Place, IRONMAN Mont Tremblant (Kona Qualification, First Out of the Water)
4th Place, IRONMAN Lake Placid (First Out of the Water)
4th Place, IRONMAN Texas
7th Place, Eagleman 70.3 (First Out of the Water)
2021 | Age Group Season
1st Overall AG, St George 70.3 (First Out of the Water)
1st Overall, Des Moines 70.3 (First Out of the Water)
1st Overall, IRONMAN Lake Placid (First Out of the Water)
1st 25-29, 2nd Overall AG, IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships (ROKA Fastest Swim Award)
8th Pro, IRONMAN Florida (First Out of the Water, Pro Debut)
Rachel's Story
Before competing in triathlon, I swam competitively for 17 years at an elite level. As a member of the USA Swimming National Team in both open water and pool events, I earned international medals competing around the world. After a four year collegiate career at the University of Georgia where I was a 6-time All-American, team captain, and a member of two NCAA National Championship teams, I retired from the sport of competitive swimming. My swimming career brought so much joy and meaning to my life not only through training and competition, but through friendships, community, and personal growth. After struggling with the transition from my swimming career, it was clear that I needed a new space to strive and set goals.
"My mom, who is my biggest inspiration, always had the goal of doing a half-Ironman, so in 2018 we signed up for one together. Long story short, what was meant to be a hobby turned into a new athletic career, and I earned my elite license in 2021."
In my first year as a professional triathlete, I placed consistently in the top 4 at full distance racing and established myself as a top-ranked swimmer by the Professional Triathletes Organisation.As much as I love racing, my favorite part of triathlon is the lifestyle. I love the structured and methodical approach to training, and am constantly learning life lessons that I take with me into my daily life. The Arizona landscapes have provided me with solace and inspiration during my swims, bikes, and runs. Triathlon has also introduced me to some incredible people and deepened many of my relationships with family and friends.Outside of triathlon, I work full time as a Biostatistician which explains my love for a data-driven training approach. In my (very limited) free time, I am known for my love of cooking and baking gluten-free treats.
Swim Lessons
In addition to being one of the fastest swimmers in the sport of triathlon, Rachel has over 10 years of experience in instructing swimming lessons.She specializes in freestyle and open water technique but has worked with all ages and abilities from beginner to advanced pro.If you are interested in working with Rachel please use the contact form below!
Check out @RachZBakes on Instagram
