USAT Women's
Commission: Member Bios
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USAT Women's
Commission: Member Bios
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Commission Members Bios History |
More on the way..Stories of current and past members of the Women's Commission.. Valerie Ellsworth-Gattis, Andrea Allen, Kathy Metz,
SueFalsey,
Patricia Totten, Sherri.Wattenbarger, Lisa Lynam
, Ann Vitt, Janet Hipshman, Anne Viviani,
Laura Beatini-Tappan, Susanna Gaunt, Barbara Morgan, Paula
Larsen, Liz Dobbins,
Joyce Payne Donaldson, Cindy Duego Carlyle , Celeste Callahan,
Becky Broeder, Sharon Holliday, Dawn Amway,
Charlene Magee, Lynn
Cameron , Kirby Adams, Barbara
Larrain, Elizabeth Weaver, Michelle
VanHuss, Esther Ellis, Chris
Meigs, Cathy Morgan, Valerie Roedenbeck-Galli,
Deb Lister, Katie Merx, Amerin
Francis-Whisnant |
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Anne Viviani, a new member of the WC is from Arlington, Virginia and races in the 50-54
age group. Anne has been involved in multisport for seven years.
Tagged as the “Brady Bunch”, Anne, her husband Don, and three of their four
children all qualified and raced in Calais at the Duathlon Worlds last October.
Now that’s a family affair, huh? Anne enjoys the traveling to various cities in
the US as well as around the world to compete. “One of most endearing aspects
of being involved in multisport is the lasting friendships that have evolved.
The race ends, but the friendships go forever.” top Liz Dobbins, from Lawrence, Kansas, though a relatively new member to the USAT Women’s Commission, she has applied herself with untiring enthusiasm. Liz was a vital member of the National Championships in Race Director Team in St. Joe’s this year, standing in for the likes of Tim Yount, who was in Sydney with the Olympic Team. Liz also assisted Sherri in the arrangements for the Master’s Women’s Breakfast at Nationals. Liz is committed to help encourage membership involvement and also to provide support new women which are just starting in the sport of triathlon. Her experience as a competitive multisport athlete span 14 years to include her qualifying and racing on four USA Teams. Liz, after teaching physical education for 25 years, is now starting a new phase of her life. Liz recently was name Director of Women’s Services of Triathlon Academy, dedicated to bringing education and opportunity to novice women in multisport. top Celeste Callahan from Denver, Colorado is the USATWC’s Rocky Mountain Regional Representative. When appointed in 1997 by then president Judy Flannery, Celeste was told to “get women interested in the sport of triathlon.” In Judy’s memory, she formed a novice-training group that has grown from 40 members the first year to a consistent roster of 200, when applicants must be turned away. When not recovering from a bike accident, Celeste can be found on Team USA. Celeste is also a USAT Certified Coach Level II. There probably are very few people who have not heard of Celeste’s incredible success with the novice women of Denver. top Lisa Lynam, a new member to the USAT WC, is a Canadian based in Austin, Texas. Despite having no background in any of the three sports (she was a figure skater in her youth) Lisa has done well in her racing career managing to qualify for four national teams and complete six Ironman distance races. To Lisa, the experience has been highlighted by the fabulous opportunities to travel to amazing places and meet amazing people. She has learned how immensely satisfying it is to give back to the sport by encouraging novice women to TRI and discover how great participating in the sport of triathlon can be for one’s personal growth - physically, mentally, and socially. Lisa has been directing Women’s Triathlon clinics for 4 years and coaching women for 5 years. Lisa is a USAT Level 2 certified coach. She has been asked to be part of a coaching conference at the ITU World Championships next July and speak on women’s coaching issues. go to top Cindy Deugo Carlyle, living in Virginia and a nationally ranked flatwater canoeist and kayaker in Canada, read about the Women’s Commission (WC) in an article a few years ago, and made a phone call. She was told that the vision of the WC was to get more women involved in multi-sport. Cindy’s vision has always been to get as many people as she could hook into sport...especially multi-sport. This past year, Cindy started a local triathlon club. There are many reasons why Cindy finds multi-sport so wonderful. She says,“ A big reason is the friendships I have made through the sport. Having moved 10 times in five years in three different countries, had two babies during that same time, and a husband who traveled Monday through Friday, I needed support in my life and connection with other women. No matter where I went, I would join a club and seek out women at my stage of life and train together, baby joggers and all. There is a bond you build with training partners that is very powerful. And, I am much healthier and injured less frequently. Cross training means less stress on the body than single sport training demands. I work in the rehabilitative field and have seen the damage too many years of running, or biking, or sitting at a desk can do. The feeling of accomplishment and strength that I get from racing and training is addictive. Multi-sport has gone beyond the physical journey for me...it has become a spiritual journey. As an athlete and as a person, I am not getting older, I really feel like I am growing more and more each day. I can do things at 40 I never even imagined at age 20 or even 30. “ top Lynne Cameron, though a new member to the USAT WC, from Seattle, was just written up in the Triathlon Digest highlighting her upcoming Triathlon Clinic Series. Lynne has spent the past few years conducting “All Women’s Triathlon Clinics” in the spring. She is currently working with Nike and plans to conduct two clinics at their headquarters in March 2001 and then several in the Seattle area as well. Lynne states, “In the Seattle area, the sport of triathlon can literally not keep up with the women who want to participate. Last year’s Seattle Danskin Triathlon filled up (with nearly 3000 women) 2-1/2 months early! Another local race that is held 3-4 weeks after Danskin consistently has a participation field that is over 65% women!” top Sharon Holliday, the Director of Purchasing/Facilities Services for the Bucks County Schools in Doylestown, PA is a new member to the WC. Sharon did her first sprint triathlon in 1989 as a spry 39 year old. Since then Sharon has participated in almost 100 Triathlons in PA, NJ, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Florida. Sharon also has worked at the local YMCA as a fitness and personal trainer for the past 8 years. For the lat 3 summers, Sharon has helped host and direct a beginning Women’s Running Program. Sharon says, “ I have found all these experiences to be satisfying, humbling, challenging and rewarding. The best reward is to compete with the likes of the women in my respective age group (45-45)…. an incredible group of ladies with amazing talent, determination and compassion.” top Sherri Wattenbarger is an attorney for the U.S Dept. of Justice. Many of you women are familiar with her name because of the splendid job she did in arranging the Master’s Women’s Breakfast at St. Joe’s last year. She has actively been involved as the Midwest Regional Women’s Commission Rep for 2-1/2years and committed to increasing the participation of women in triathlon. She has been a runner since age 15, when she started running with her dad on the boulevards of St. Joseph, Missouri, where she grew up. Sherri’s introduction to triathlon was a fortunate one- taken into the fold of a very dynamic group of women triathletes. They were all 15-20 years older than she and far more experienced in triathlon and life. A lawyer, a real estate agent, a teacher, a salon owner, a social worker, a doctor, almost all were Ironwomen. Sherri sums it up by saying, “They mentored me—in the sport and in life’s joys and despairs. They were my heroines. I think every woman deserves mentors like these. That’s one reason I’m so committed to providing opportunities and support for women in our sport.” top Joyce Payne Donaldson hails from Sylvania, Ohio. Joyce has been a member of the WC since1996. Joyce’s experience as a competitive multisport athlete was cut short by a drunk driver in 1984. Joyce helped found Team Toledo Triathlon club in 1985, and then began event management in 1986 as race director of the Sylvania Triathlon. Joyce was asked to be a charter member of the Mideast Regional Federation and has served as the secretary and historian since. In 1995, she became an official for USAT, and has become very involved with that administration throughout the US. As one of the very few female officials in 1995, Joyce thought it very important to have women join the ranks. As the Regional Coordinator for the Mideast region, she put on officials clinics, and brought in 5 more women (in the Mideast region) to become USAT officials. Joyce also has worked with the ITU (International Triathlon Union), officiating in different countries, and she was honored to be the Head Referee at the Dallas Olympic Trials. Of the 13 USAT officials we had in Dallas, eight (8) were women!! top Charlene A. Magee says: my age group is 55-59 yrs. I have participated in triathlon since 1982!! I have participated in four World Championships. Qualified and didn't choose to attend several others. I live in Midlothian, Virginia, outside of Richmond. I grew up, so to speak, with the sport, or the sport grew up with me. top Sue Falsey, a self described "towards the back of the pack age grouper in the 50-54 category," has been doing triathlons since the mid 80's. After watching her husband pound out a couple of triathlons, she thought it would be more fun to do them than to watch and wait and get sunburned. And that was and still is true. Now living in the mountains of Colorado, they ski more in the winter than swim--all lakes are frozen up here at 9,700 feet--but will emerge again in spring to start biking and running outside again. top Paula Larsen says: I did my first triathlon in 1983. I was hooked from the beginning. Since then I've done so many tris I don't keep count. Each one I've done is a different experience. But all of them have something in common. They are fun. competitive, and the camaraderie among the athletes is great. I've especially enjoyed being part of Team USA. It's like going to the Olympics for us average athletes that can't make the real thing. My entire adult life as revolved around sports. I've taught physical education at all grade levels for the past 30 years. I also coached high school girls varsity track for 15 years. Besides track I coached girls tennis, basketball and cheerleading. I spent 10 years coaching youth soccer when my son was playing. I was very fortunate to be able to coach my daughter in track and tennis and my son in soccer. My daughter has now joined the triathlon scene and we've had fun doing tris together. As for myself I feel very fortunate to have won many national titles, a world title and being named an all american in my age group. I feel I've been an excellent roll model for my students setting the example that exercise and staying fit is so important for everyone. I'm so excited to be part of the WC helping to promote the sport to other women. Women can learn so much about themselves by participating in triathlon. top Barbara Larrain writes: I'm 48, married 2 sons, 11 & 17. I've been competing in triathlons since 85. I'm a USAT member, actually ranked 18 this yr in 45-49 age group & the 2000 NW Female Masters Triathlon Champion. So I obviously had a great race season. The highlight was a 2nd place finish at 1/2 Vineman. I've competed & finished in Ironman California: 93-95, 98 & Hawaii 2 times: 95-dnf ,99. I am also the race director of a small (30 people) winter triathlon (500M pool swim, 10M bike on a lifecycle, 2.5M outdoor run) that I devised for the Nelson Nautilus Health Club. I am also a member of a local triathlon club, Gecko Tri Club. top Kirby Adams writes: Kirby Oliver Grantz Hometown Louisville Ky Currently Television News Anchor. Freelance Health and Fitness Writer. Annual Coach for Novice Local Running team. Area of interest---promoting sport and fitness to young girls. Past Accomplishments 12th place in Olympic Trials/cycling 1st place Texas State Triathlon also in Biathlon 1st place Los Colonias Marathon top Michelle Vanhuss writes: I am 29 and I am training for my first season of triathlons (sprint and olympic levels.) So my experience is rather limited. I have always been active in many sports, volleyball, softball, swimming, and in college cross country and track . Since college I have been a recreational runner, mainly during the warm season while participating in the occasional 10K events. Last year, I decided to set a higher goal for myself to train and run my first marathon (Marine Corp) which left me with a few injuries. I was training mostly on a bike or in the pool as a means of cross training. As a result I am now an active member of our local Triathlon Club and can't wait for spring! I have a degree in Exercise Physiology with a heavy background in post injury training and cardiac rehab. I have been out of the field for about 2 years now, except for the occassional consulting I do with family and friends. I am currently a Special Events Coordinator with Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Planning events from storytelling festivals to the Babe Ruth World Series. top Susanna Gaunt writes: My name is Susanna Gaunt and I have been involved with triathlon for about five years. I will be entering my fourth competitive year and my first year as a pro triathlete. I got started in the sport as many have, by trying a race for fun and immediately getting hooked. I am fortunate to be a part of a fun, energetic and enthusiastic team of cyclists and triathletes in Missoula, Montana, Five Valley Velo/Team Stampede. We have won the last three USAT National Club Championships and have a great network of organized workouts, team races and clinics for all the varying ability levels. One thing the team is lacking is female athletes. As a new member to the USAT Women’s Commission, I am hoping to reach more women locally and beyond through clinics and one on one support and enthusiasm. top Esther Ellis has been a triathlete since 1982. She comes from a running background and had to get a bike and learn to swim fast before her first race. Since that race in Waco, Texas, she has not stopped and has done races from sprint to half-Ironman distance. She joined the national organization when it was called The Triathlon Federation and has been president of the MidSouthWest Region. She and her husband, John, started the Bay Area Triathletes. The club now has an on-line newsletter and a championship series of events as a result of their desire to increase the sport in their local community. Her accomplishments include winning a 50 kilometer race in 1982 and winning both the Dallas YMCA and the Longview YMCA triathlons in 1987. She was named Outstanding Masters Female Triathlete by the MidSouthWest Region in 1987. She received the Triathlon Federation/USA Achievement Award in appreciation of her commitment to the Race Director, the Athlete and the Spirit of the Sport in 1991and the Richard Turner Award for faithful service and dedication to the sport in 1995. Recently she has become a certified coach with Triathlon Academy. top Chris Meigs writes: I am definitely interested in going the extra mile and working for the future of women in the sport. North Redington Beach is in St. Petersburg Florida, site of St. Anthony's April 29th and only two hours away from Clermont Florida, home of the training center, the Clermont sprint tri's, the great Florida, etc. Professionally, I am an airline pilot for Continental, 37 years old, married for 10 years with 2 dogs and no children. I have been a runner all my life but Love the triathlon. I am a vegan, promote healthy living, lifestyle changes and my goal is to get people active and to try to work towards a goal of a relay or individual sprint tri. I support my own web site: http://www.eathealthywithchris.com and hope to have my book published and to more sites online within 6 months. This is what I would like to do full time!!! top Valerie Roedenbeck-Galli writes: There are two areas I believe I could be helpful in: 1., Organizing women's clinics. We have a wonderful triathlon store in Chicago, Mission Bay, and I know they would be open to working with the Women's Comission to educate existing female triathletes and bring in new ones. This year I'll be mentoring three women through their first tri. It's exciting not only for them, but for me as well, since I feel like I'll be introducing others to a great way of life. 2., Building media awareness. I run a consultancy in the field of Hispanic-American public relations. I can help the comission by building relationships with local sports media as you deem necessary. This can serve us as a vehicle to introduce the sport to more women and to bring awareness to the Comission's needs and goals. I was born in Lima, Peru and lived in Latin America until age 12. My father is German, my Mother is Italian. I'm 28 and have been married for 2 years. We live in Chicago, IL. I went to Loyola University (Chicago) and University of Cambridge (England). I worked in politics before settling in public relations four years ago. I was a ballet dancer and cellist as a kid and teen and had never done sports before 1996. In 1997, I was out for a coffee one August morning and saw athletes competing in Mrs. T's triathlon. I decided then that I had to try it out, even if I died in the process. 1998 was my first year in triathlon and I haven't looked back since. I normally place in the top 17-15% within my age group (hopefully crawling higher this year!). This year I plan to do between 8-14 races, depending on my workload. top Katie Merx writes: I'm a news reporter covering banking, finance and nonprofit organizations at Crain's Detroit Business, a weekly business magazine in Detroit. Occasionally, I also write freelance articles on social and activist causes. For the last seven years I worked as a reporter covering government, education and politics for daily newspapers in Michigan and South Carolina, including the Detroit News. Among my proudest accomplishments was being part of the group awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1998. I was included because I was part of the reporting team that helped produce the Grand Forks, N.D., Herald during the 1997 flood that devastated that city. As far as athletics, I'm a 28-year-old age-group athlete going into my third year of participation in the sport of triathlon. I'm a child of Title IX, so I've been involved most of my life in sports, encouraging other girls and women to participate and demanding fairness for all in the world of sport. I participated in basketball, track and cross country in high school. In college, I rowed stroke for four years on Northwestern University's varsity crew. There I especially enjoyed recruiting novice rowers and running practices for them. Following college, I got into running marathons through the Leukemia Society of America's Team In Training in Myrtle Beach, S.C. I continue to run marathons, but have really fallen in love with triathlon and duathlon and want to be involved in spreading the word and getting other people excited about the sport. Amerin Francis-Whisnant writes: I live in Austin, Texas
and I am an attorney with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(our state environmental regulatory agency). I am 30 years old originally
from Buffalo, New York. I had often thought that it would be great to do a
triathlon because it would be great to be in such excellent shape. A
friend told me about a nice short sprint triathlon in Temple, Texas and my
husband and I decided to give it a try. That was about 10 triathlons ago!
We are hooked! Austin offers so many triathlons to
participate in it would be hard not to participate. |
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| For more information on USA Triathlon's Women's Commission, please contact: Sherri Wattenbarger, co- chair 2005, at Sherri.Wattenbarger@usdoj.gov or Ashley Rosilier, co-chair 2005, at ashley@rungearrun.com. If you are interested in a position within the Women's Commission for 2005or would like to organize a specific women's-oriented program, please email one of us with details as soon as possible. |