The 27-year-old Canadian Tisseyre did not enter the world of triathlon at a young age – getting involved in many different activities that helped her grow physically and intellectually. A violinist until age 17 and an aspiring actress for a short while, she was never just distinguished by her athleticism. She did, however, compete in extreme sports such as skiing and snowboarding. She races to this day with the souvenir of her former sporting days-a metal plate in her tibia from a boarder cross race. While attending university, Tisseyre got involved with the club triathlon team. She tried her first race, and was instantly hooked on the adrenaline rush it gave her as well as the fun she had competing. It was obvious that she had an innate talent for the sport when in her first year racing she became the 2004 Canadian University Champion. Tisseyre continued to compete in triathlons on the amateur level, and also began to thrive in duathlons. In 2005 she became the 20-24 age-group World Duathlon Champion, giving her a taste of success on an international scale. After the victory she continued to compete at both duathlon and triathlon events under an amateur status. Hailed as “IM 70.3 Triathlete of the Year” for her efforts in 2009 by Triathlete Magazine, one may never believe Magali Tisseyre has only been in the sport for five years. And although her petite size may fool a few at the start of a race, this TYR athlete quickly claims respect and admiration by the finish.