IRON WOMAN

For Clermont resident Sarah Haskins, the phrase “push yourself to the limit” is not a motto.

It’s a lifestyle.

As a professional triathlete for 12 years, Sarah has enjoyed a storybook career. She competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, served as an alternate on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, and has emerged victorious 39 times.

But despite her impressive accomplishments, the thrill of being the first to cross the finish line never grows old.

That was certainly the case last January when Sarah earned a gold medal at the IRONMAN Pan American Pro Championship in Panama. During the race, she swam 1.2 miles in the Pacific Ocean, bicycled 56.1 miles over Panama Bay, and ran 13.1 miles along the scenic Amador Causeway.

Her finishing time of 4:08:53 bested 29 of the top female triathletes from around the world.

“It’s always a thrill when you compete against the best athletes in your sport and ultimately end up winning,” says Sarah, who moved to Clermont in 2012 with her husband, Nathan Korteum. “Although the course was relatively flat, the race was still challenging because the temperature was 95 degrees in January.”

In September, her skills and endurance will be put to the test once again at the IRONMAN World Championship, being held along the Queensland Sunshine Coast in Australia. Although she raced in previous IRONMAN World Championship short-course events, this race marks the first time she will compete in the longer 70.3-mile course.

“I’m always looking for new challenges. I will be competing against 35 female triathletes who come from all over the globe. This race is special because you have to qualify beforehand to be a participant.”

Nagging injuries over the years—and giving birth to

Professional Accomplishments

2004 U23 National Champion

2005 Los Angeles Triathlon Champion, first pro win

2006 U.S. National Champion

2007 Pan American Games Silver Medal

2008 Silver Medal at the ITU World Championships

2008 Beijing Olympic Team Member, 11th place her daughter, Caroline, in 2013—hasn’t slowed Sarah down. Although she is 35, she has no immediate plans to retire from the sport.

“Many triathletes compete well into their 40s. I’m very passionate about this sport and love all the training, hard work, and discipline that’s involved to be your very best. Of course, I would like more kids in the future so somewhere I have to have a balance.”

2009 Race To The Toyota Cup Series Champion

• Four-time winner St. Anthony’s,

• LifeTime Fitness, and Chicago triathlons

2011/2012 Race To The Toyota Cup Series Champion

2011 Pan American Games Gold Medal

2012 Olympic Team Alternate

2014 Race To The Toyota Cup Series Champion

Source: sarahhaskins.com