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Living the Life
Sally Edwards leads and inspires as
a triathlon groundbreaker and motivator
by Timothy Carlson
Inside Tri | May 2006 Issue
If you ever were reading the complete history of triathlon's
30 years, it would be hard to comprehend just how many important
roles Sally Edwards has played. One of the sport's most prolific
authors and inspirational speakers, she's known for her unfailing
generosity and a passionate devotion to getting people off of
their couches and in to a transition area. "No woman has done
more for the sport of triathlon - period," says Scott Tinley,
the two-time Kona champion and one of the sport's most articulate
authors.
For many, accomplishing just one or two of the achievements
on Edwards' life list would be enough. But for this irrepressible
woman who never saw a boundary she didn't want to break, the
list of accomplishments could fill a book. Among them: With
partner Elizabeth Jansen, founded Fleet Feet franchise of athletic
shoes and apparel shoes in 1976. Won Western States 100-mile
trail run, finished second in her first attempt at Ironman Hawaii
in 1981. Helped draft first of competitive rules for triathlon
and launched the organization that would become USA Triathlon.
Published the first book about triathlon, selling more than
60,000 copies, and wrote 22 more. Leader in battle for equal
prize money for woman triathletes. Helped design and organize
the original Wildflower Long Course Triathlon. Pioneered heart
rate monitor-based training and wrote million-seller guide for
monitor manufacturing giant Polar. Participated in the first
Eco-Challenge adventure race. Became the spokeswoman for and
guiding force behind the wildly successful Danskin Triathlon
series founded in 1990, which now draws 25,000 women a year.
The long road Edwards, 58, took to find her passion also showed
that leading the pack had left something missing. "Danskin really
connected me to this place in myself that is much more powerful
than winning races," she says. "Compassion, appreciation, empathy."
Now she eases the fears of Danskin newbies by making sure she's
running at the very end of every field. "I absolutely guarantee
that no one who signs up for a Danskin will finish last- because
I will."
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