Luis Vargas is the founder of SmartTriathlon.Training and a long‑time leader in the endurance sports community. He was born in Ibagué, Colombia and moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico at age twelve, where he developed a passion for athletics through cross country, swimming, varsity soccer, and volleyball.

Luis attended the University of Miami, competing in varsity swimming for one year and varsity soccer for three. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and later a Master of Science from Arizona State University.

Inspired by the televised coverage of the Ironman, Luis began racing triathlons after completing his studies. He qualified for the Olympic Distance National Championships, progressed to half‑Ironman events, and ultimately to the Ironman distance. He qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kona seven times and recorded a personal best of 9:34 in the Hawaii lava fields.

Luis then shifted his focus from training himself to coaching others. He began by coaching boys’ soccer for five years, transforming one team from a losing season to an undefeated, championship‑winning squad within two years. He later returned fully to triathlon, earned his USA Triathlon coaching certification, and co‑founded MarkAllenOnline.com, one of the first online triathlon coaching platforms. He eventually became the full owner of the company, which now operates as SmartTriathlon.Training.

Luis has coached triathletes for more than twenty‑five years and has guided athletes to the highest honors in age‑group triathlon, including ITU Age Group World Championship titles and victories at the Ironman World Championship in Kona. His coaching blends deep experience, scientific training principles, and a strong commitment to helping athletes reach their potential.

Luis lives in San Luis Obispo, California with his wife Kelly, son Camilo, and daughter Sofia, all avid triathletes and swimmers. Both Camilo and Sofia swam Division I for Cal Poly.

You can reach Luis at

questions AT SmartTriathlon.Training