EXTRAORDINARY STARTS AT ANY AGE
How a woman who couldn't swim a length without panic became a top 5% international Ironman athlete at 63
About
Sarah Jouault is a remarkable woman whose life exemplifies the power of transforming adversity into triumph. At 71, she continues to compete in triathlons at world championship level while inspiring others through her speaking and charitable work.
From surviving childhood displacement, domestic violence, and a brutal assault in Africa, to building a successful business empire and conquering her paralysing fear of water to become a world class athlete, Sarah's journey proves that no matter how challenging your start in life, extraordinary achievement is possible.
Her authentic voice, warm nature, and hard earned wisdom make her both an accomplished athlete and a powerful advocate for resilience, mental health, and the transformative power of turning pain into purpose.
Making a Difference
Over her 25-year athletic career, Sarah has raised an extraordinary £163,500 for ill and terminally ill children, transforming her sporting pursuits into a powerful force for good.
What began with a single promise to help 9-year-old Harriet get a £5,500 wheelchair through running the Dublin Marathon became a lifelong mission of service.
Through over 120 races, charity dinners, homemade preserves, and countless fundraising events, Sarah has supported organisations including Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice, the Snowdrop Trust, Marie Curie Cancer Care, and numerous local children's charities.
Her innovative fundraising included everything from cooking breakfast for 120 people in her garden to cycling 300 miles across 35 Rotary clubs in three days.
Every race served a purpose beyond personal achievement - each medal earned was matched by money raised for families facing unimaginable challenges.
Sarah's philosophy remains simple:
"I've learned that true victory isn't measured by finishing times, but by how much we give back."
Media
Alison Fern Interviews Sarah Jouault: Channelling Adversity into £160k for Charity...
Raw Chatter: Living an Extraordinary Life. Sarah Jouault on Defying Trauma, Conquering Iron Man...
Raw Chatter: Living an Extraordinary Life. Sarah Jouault on Defying Trauma, Conquering Iron Man...
Hear Sarah’s incredible story: overcoming profound personal challenges, she raised £160,000 for children's charities and astonishingly ran a marathon with no training in under 3 hours. Discover her inspiring resilience, including qualifying for the Iron Man World Championships.
Raw Chatter: Living an Extraordinary Life. Sarah Jouault on Defying Trauma, Conquering Iron Man...
Raw Chatter: Living an Extraordinary Life. Sarah Jouault on Defying Trauma, Conquering Iron Man...
Raw Chatter: Living an Extraordinary Life. Sarah Jouault on Defying Trauma, Conquering Iron Man...
Tune into "The Empowered Women Life Leaders Podcast S01E13" for an incredible conversation with Sarah Jouault, a passionate fundraiser and triathlete who has generated over £160,000 for children's charities. Sarah shares her inspiring journey of stamina, momentum, defying belief, and achieving by powering through
Beyond the Finish Line: How One Woman Defied Life's Obstacles
David Watson Interview: Sarah's Inspiring Path to Becoming a Top 5% Global Triathlete at 63
David Watson Interview: Sarah's Inspiring Path to Becoming a Top 5% Global Triathlete at 63
Meet Sarah Jouault, a 71-year-old Ironman champion who transformed a lifetime of adversity - childhood trauma, assault, cancer, and financial hardship - into fuel for extraordinary achievement. Discover how her unbreakable spirit drove her to conquer Iron Man triathlons and marathons while raising thousands for terminally ill children. A testament to the power of resilience and turning pain into purpose.
David Watson Interview: Sarah's Inspiring Path to Becoming a Top 5% Global Triathlete at 63
David Watson Interview: Sarah's Inspiring Path to Becoming a Top 5% Global Triathlete at 63
David Watson Interview: Sarah's Inspiring Path to Becoming a Top 5% Global Triathlete at 63
Join author Sarah for an inspiring conversation as she shares her incredible journey, detailed in her book "Never Gave Up Just Gave Back", revealing how she overcame immense personal challenges like cancer and debt to become a top international Iron Man triathlete.
Never Gave Up, Just Gave Back
A Story of Resilience, Triumph, and the Power of Purpose
From the chaos of childhood displacement to the triumph of world championship podiums, Sarah Jouault's memoir is a masterclass in human resilience that will leave you believing in the extraordinary power of the human spirit.
At 18, Sarah discovered everything she believed about her identity was a lie. By 19, she was brutally assaulted in Africa, an attack so severe it would shape decades of her life. Through failed marriages, financial ruin, and paralyzing fears, Sarah could have been defined by what happened to her. Instead, she chose to be defined by what she did next.
This isn't just another sports memoir. It's the raw, honest account of how a woman who couldn't swim a length without panic taught herself front crawl at 48 and went on to represent Great Britain in 13 World Championships. How someone who felt unloved and unwanted built a business empire worth hundreds of thousands. How trauma became the fuel for raising over £163,500 for terminally ill children.
From the shores of Africa to the Olympic Stadium, from courtroom injustice to championship victories, Sarah's story proves that our greatest setbacks can become our most powerful comebacks. With unflinching honesty and infectious hope, she reveals how she transformed a lifetime of challenges into a legacy of inspiration.
Sarah Jouault - book reviews
Laura G.
“I read Sarah's book and I couldn't put it down. I can't believe one person has been through so much. The way she never gave up inspired me so much. Now I know Sarah's story, it's such an honour to get to know her.”
Emma Mc.
“Sarah's book is a fascinating and inspiring read. Through hardship and sheer determination Sarah grows in self-belief, gradually taking back control of her own life on her own terms”
Erica C.
“It was like reading life stories of 5 people - not one.”
Ally P.
“Sarah's book is not just inspiring, it's a tale of overcoming adversaries and helping hundreds of children overcome theirs.”
Michael P.
“Sarah is an indefatigable woman acknowledged by her peers both in the fierce world of competition and selfless world of fund raising.”
Gallery of Sarah’s Impact
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