Xtriathlon : Hello Wendy, first of all a big thank to you to grant us this exclusive interview. I would like to start by mentioning this famous finish in Hawaii in October 1997 with Sian Welch. What evoke that moment etched in our memories, and that your countrymen have dubbed "the crawl"?
Wendy Ingraham : First I only held the record in Hawaii for a few years. However I did break my own record in Hawaii two years in a row. The fastest swim in a Ironman I did was actually in France Ironman 46.8.
All I wanted to do in 1997 was finish that race. Crawling seemed at the time the most efficient way to get to the finish line after endless attempts to walk/run or even stand up.

Xtriathlon : You never won Hawaii, despite four wins Ironman and having approached the podium three times (3 times fourth in 1994, 1996 and 97). You do not have regrets?
Wendy Ingraham : Hawaii is my favorite race, depending on what you call the podium which in Hawaii is the top ten, I finished in the top 10, 10 years in a row. Not to bad. I have no regrets, I gave it my all everytime. That race is special and for special people to win. I just embraced the day and loved it.

Xtriathlon : We heard about many new rookies on the Ironman circuit in recent months. I think girls like Gina Ferguson, Yvonne Van Vlerken (new world record holder Ironman) and of course, Chrissie Wellington. What do you think about the qualities of these girls?
Wendy Ingraham : It seems like these girls are a repeat of old times just new faces. There times really are not any faster than when Paula, Heather, Lori, Fernanda, and myself where racing. Just new fresh faces and perhaps a few more of them. It's all good.

Xtriathlon : About the female record, what evoked for you this superb performance of the Dutch Van Vlerken?
Wendy Ingraham : VanVlerken had the perfect day.

Xtriathlon : Do you return to Hawaii to participate in the atmosphere of this race so special?
Wendy Ingraham : I go back to Hawaii to work and cheer the athletes on. I get the chills everytime.

Xtriathlon : Have you since your retirement competed in triathlon or other competitions?
Wendy Ingraham : I raced in 2007 I did Austria, Korea, and a 8 day Mt Bike race Trans Alps. Loved that race. I had a baby last summer 2008, I raced two months after Skylar was born in the Malibu tri, I won my division, then I did the CAF half a month later.

Xtriathlon : You are now part of a coaching structure, Tri-Masters. What are you doing exactly?
Wendy Ingraham : Now I am working as an agent. I love helping people out in the sport. I am also doing some adventure races on Mt Bikes. Keeping fit.

Xtriathlon : You also, and I think it is now one of the most important things in your life, given birth to a baby girl, Skylar. Can you tell us about her, and about your sports life with this new venue in the family?
Wendy Ingraham : Having a baby is like training for a race, everyday is an adventure, you have to be patient, and I enjoy every moment because they grow so fast, then that moment is gone and it is on to the next.. Right now she is getting teeth and I know that must hurt.

Xtriathlon : Apart from your family and Tri-Masters, what are your days spent? What are your hobbies, passions?
Wendy Ingraham : I love working in the garden, I am a big snow skier, ride my Mt Bike, cooking and photography. I make all my baby food for Skylar, and of course drink Peet's Coffee. I keep plenty busy during the day.

Xtriathlon : Wendy thank you greatly for having spent time with Xtriathlon. And hoping to see you soon in Europe, and why not Nice where I met two years ago. Thank you!
Wendy Ingraham: Thank you I hope to make it back to Europe very soon. Have a great season to everyone.
Wing

Wendy's profile : click here