AMANDA BALDING - BIOGRAPHY

Amanda was born in the country of WA. Spending the first ten years in a small town called Manjimup. She now has a massive extended family of thirteen brothers and sisters. Two amazing parents whom she grew up with and another set of biological parents. After moving to the city at the age of ten she got involved with little athletics. She spent the next few years representing Australia at various junior events around the world in the unusual sport of walking.

After traveling around Australia working and having fun she finally settled in Sydney. Having been out of sport completely she entered a race in Noosa and loved it. She competed in only a few races over the next 3 years.

In 2003 she was diagnosed with cancer and heard the message loud and clear. It was time for a life change. On completion of her successful treatment she sold everything and moved house to train for her first Ironman. In 2004 she started her dream of becoming an Ironman. At first it was purely a goal to finish.

Upon moving to the US for 3 months to train in the summer of 05 she completed her first Half Ironman race. This was just three weeks before she flew to the UK for her first full distance Ironman which she completed in a modest 12.40hrs. Not long after she realized that she had the Ironman bug but also realized that even more changes were needed to be had if she wanted to compete in the Hawaiian Ironman. In 2007 she qualified and completed the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. With her 2007 results she applied and was granted her Professional License. The 2008 season was an up and down rookie year with many lessons. She closed the year out with a top 10 result and a personal best of 10.09hrs.

In 2009 Amanda and her boyfriend Luke McKenzie will continue their journey and adventures of racing in the 70.3 and Ironman circuit throughout the world.

AMANDA BALDING PROFILE

Name: Amanda Louise Balding

Place of Birth: Lake Grace, Western Australia

Resides: QLD and NSW Australia, California and Oregon USA

Nickname: Memphis, Grub (thanks for that one dad)

Marital Status: Boyfriend

Brothers and/or Sisters: Russ, Anna, Damo, Christian, Jules, Sahra, Luke, Chaz, Candy, Zac and Whitney

Year Started Triathlon: 2000.....only managed 1 though.

Hobbies / Interest: Travel. Live Music, World Championship Poker.

Favorite Triathlon race(s): St Croix Half IM, Vineman Half IM and Hawaii World Championships

Favorite ride(s): Akuna Bay, Bobbin Head and any ride on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Favorite run(s): Highway 101 in San Diego - Del Mar to Swami’s and back.

Favorite foods: Fish Taco's from Wahoo's in SD, Sushi from Sushi E in Sydney.

Favorite Music: Ben, Jack, John, Xavier, Missy, Nikka.

Favorite Movie(s): Amilie

Favorite Book(s): Harry Potter.... I waited outside Von's at 12 o’clock midnight, in my jimmy jams for the last book, how sad. The Secret. It's not all about the bike.

Sport and lifestyle role model(s): Lance, Audrey Hepburn, My Grandma.

Most rewarding aspect of Triathlon: Half way through the marathon out in the Ironman you meet yourself. There is no hiding from or cheating yourself in this sport. You are stripped bear for all the world to see. It's at that terrible, painful moment you find out what you are made of. When everything hurts so much you want to quit..... you discover your soul. You are free. You are there because you choose to be. You are there because your desire over comes your fear. You dare to fail..... and sometimes do but you know that you will be back.....you like the person you meet.

Biggest achievement to date: Competing in the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships 2007

Ultimate sporting goal: Race in Hawaii as a pro.

Most Regrettable Triathlon Experience: Not starting this sport earlier.