WINS Lebanon
Lindzi Nader
Lindzi Nader is a Lebanese triathlete whose resilience and passion for challenge have set her apart in the world of multisport. From her beginnings in swimming to her record-setting performances in triathlon, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of endurance. Competing across the Middle East and overcoming obstacles far beyond the racecourse, Lindzi embodies the strength and perseverance of Lebanese athletes. Beyond her personal achievements, she has become a source of inspiration for young athletes through her coaching and academy ‘Profit’, empowering the next generation to dream big and believe in their own potential.
What inspired you to start your sports journey?
Honestly, nothing gives me as much fulfilment as challenges. I’ve always loved pushing myself, setting goals, and working hard to achieve them. I began swimming at the age of 11, and from that moment on, I developed a strong competitive spirit. Being in the water quickly became part of who I am, and it shaped my discipline and determination from a young age.
At 18, I discovered cycling, and that opened a whole new world of challenges for me. It wasn’t just about the sport itself, but about testing my limits and constantly striving to improve. These challenges have been the driving force behind my journey in triathlon, motivating me to keep progressing and to embrace every step along the way.
What sports achievement are you most proud of so far?
I’ve achieved a lot in sport, but it never feels enough and I’m still chasing my dreams. It’s a long journey, and progress takes time before the results really show. Since early 2024, around March, I was able to train more consistently, and I started to ease back on work and focus more on being an athlete.
It hasn’t been easy. I’ve managed to set records at the 70.3 distance in races across the Middle East. I’ve also managed to run sub 4 in the 5km run off a 20km good bike performance.
Traveling is always a challenge because we face a lot of struggles with visas. Even when I qualify for the 70.3 World Championship, I can’t always go because of financial constraints or the situation in Lebanon.
For now, I still compete in short and Olympic distances, but my heart is leaning toward long-distance racing. I feel like that’s where I can really excel, especially as my body grows stronger and adapts. The journey is far from over. My target is simple but powerful: to deliver strong performances. That’s what drives me every day: putting in the training, year after year, to make those performances possible.
What matters most is judging myself on where I truly stand in my performance. Sometimes I finish first, sometimes second and I enjoy the second-place win more because what really counts is whether I delivered the performance I wanted
What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue your sport seriously?
Never give up on your dream. Whatever it costs, it might not happen now, but it will happen later. The key is consistency... staying committed throughout the year. Consistency and balance over ten years is far more valuable than going all-in for two years and then burning out.
Triathlon is a demanding sport, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It brings joy to life because it combines strength, endurance, and constant transitions. For me, it always comes back to two things: consistency in the work, and never giving up on the dream.
What’s one small change that could make a big difference for women athletes in Lebanon?
As a female athlete living and training in Lebanon, I can say this country has shaped me. Lebanon made me who I am, because here you constantly have to prove yourself. It’s not easy and we face struggles every step of the way, but through that we also discover more about what we’re truly capable of.
The multisport world comes with its own challenges (politics, visas, and many other obstacles). But I believe multisport deserves its proper place and recognition. Change needs to start with the Olympic Committee, the Federation, and the media. There are already some great initiatives such as pages and platforms highlighting athletes, but sometimes the focus isn’t in the right place. It’s not only about Lebanon as a target; it’s about positioning Lebanon and its athletes on the global stage.
Where would you like to see women’s sport in Lebanon in the future (10-20 years down the line)?
I would love to see Lebanese women reach higher levels in sport, because that requires a lot of collaboration and support from the community. There’s already a promising generation coming up (14 and 15 year olds), which is why I believe organizations can play a major role in driving this forward.
Lebanese women are incredibly tough and strong; we can handle whatever comes our way. I’ve lived through the financial crisis and even through war, and I kept going. Surviving those challenges has only made me stronger. That resilience is part of who we are, and it’s what keeps pushing me forward as an athlete.
In what ways has your sport influenced your professional career and your work in ‘Profit’?
The strength of a long-term academy like 'Profit' is in its ability to grow and to keep moving forward. It’s about the effort I put into it, and the feedback from people who join, even if it’s just for a few weeks or a month. That’s exactly what I worked on at the start of 2020, and it wasn’t easy. We strive to inspire people: I know and understand the impact 'Profit' creates. When people look at me, they think: “Wow, she was able to do that, so can we.” For kids especially, it gives them a target.
For me, the goal isn’t just Lebanon. Of course, I care deeply about Lebanon, but the real question is: where do we stand compared to the rest of the world? That’s the level we need to aim for.
I’m not a full-time athlete. I train about 20 to 25 hours a week, and at the same time I manage a team, both in live sessions and online, one-on-one
Nobody has the perfect life. You can’t expect to be the number one athlete and have everything else perfectly in place. The real challenge is managing and balancing it all, and that balance is the most important part.
What’s one thing people would never guess about you as an athlete ... a guilty pleasure, pre-competition ritual, or unexpected talent?