"I'm very excited to participate in the new Rev3 series. This is the first triathlon series that will reward athletes who excel across various distances, against world class competition and challenging courses. Thanks to the race venues, my family members are looking forward to the races as much as I am!" ~ Rebeccah Wassner

Bio

I’ve always had a lot of energy. What I lacked in size and skill, I made up for with determination and competitiveness. Growing up, I spent most of that energy swimming, but when I got to high school, I realized that I had a natural talent for running. I won a few state championships and chased some of the fastest girls in the country around the track. I decided to go to Mt. St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD after receiving an athletic scholarship. At The Mount, I drastically improved my running times, but more importantly met a teammate from Australia who had been a pro triathlete before coming to the States to attend university. After hearing his stories, I began to think triathlon was something I could pursue.

After graduation, other things took over - I worked nonstop at one of the big accounting firms; my sister was diagnosed with cancer; my job and I moved to NYC to be with her. In need of an outlet, I joined Moving Comfort, one of the New York Road Runners Club competitive running teams. In 2000, I was named NYRRC runner of the year in the 25-29 age group, after winning several races in Central Park. Thanks to NYRRC, I was selected to join the FILA Discovery USA Marathon project and relocated to California to train on a mountain top. Marathon training was extremely difficult, but involved no cross training. I kept thinking about that sport triathlon that my friend told me about, wishing I could spend some of my training hours swimming or biking. When I got back to NYC, I bought a bike, joined a swim team and signed up for my first race. Rebeccah Wassner pro triathlete

With my strong swimming and running background, I had immediate success as an amateur triathlete. I turned pro in 2004 and was named USA Triathlon Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, I spent 2005 on the sidelines with a pelvic stress fracture. Such a major injury in just my second year racing pro was devastating, but it turned out for the best. 2006 was a breakthrough season. I had a top 10 world cup finish and qualified for the US Elite Worlds Team. In 2007 and 2008, I have continued to learn more about the sport and have seen major improvements in all three sports. In 2008 my twins sister Laurel joined me in the professional ranks and I had my best season yet, with several podiums in major races, including 6 wins! Also important this season: I got married to John in New Paltz, NY in October!

Career Highlights:

RACE	PLACE
2007 Philadelphia Triathlon (course record)	1st
2007 Iron Girl Columbia (course record)	1st
2007 Isla Margarita Coninental Cup	1st
2007 Escape to Bermuda Triathlon	2nd
2007 New York City Triathlon	3rd
2007 US Open Triathlon	5th
2007 Los Angeles Triathlon	4th
2007 US Pro Nationals	7th
2006 New York City Triathlon	3rd
2006 ITU World Cup Edmonton	9th
2006 US Pro Nationals	6th