Member Spotlights

At a Glance

Summary: Ironman & USA Triathlon Hall of Famer Bob Babbitt — co-founder of Competitor Magazine and the Challenged Athletes Foundation — shares how a $75 police-auction bike and the 1980 Ironman launched a lifetime of endurance sports, media, and giving back.

Highlights

  • Finished the 1980 Ironman (3rd-ever, on Oahu) on a $75 fire-damaged bike
  • Co-founded Competitor Magazine (1987) and Competitor/Babbittville Radio (1990)
  • Co-founded the Challenged Athletes Foundation (1993), which has raised $70M+ and given 13,000+ grants
  • Created the IronKids and Muddy Buddy event series
  • Member of both the Ironman and USA Triathlon Halls of Fame

Key Takeaways

  • Finishing one hard thing builds confidence you can draw on for life
  • Big things take a village — community and relationships fuel every success
  • Triathlon is a “Fountain of Youth”: you can keep improving in swim and bike as you age
  • An inclusive, welcoming club is what keeps people in the sport for the long haul

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently to talk triathlon with the legendary funky dude, Bob Babbitt.  Bob is a TCSD member as well as a member of the Ironman Hall of Fame and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.  It is an honor and a thrill to share Bob’s story.  We are so lucky to have this guy in our club!
 

  "Bob Babbitt in his frog outfit at the Mini Muddy Buddy Austin event with double above knee amputee Cody McCasland"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the pleasure of talking triathlon with Erin Hunter, who has worn many hats for the Tri Club over the years from Potluck Coordinator to Head Swim Coach.  Please join me in getting to know one of our best volunteers.  And you will see that she is also a pretty accomplished athlete.

 

 "Erin Hunter on her way to a 5th place age group finish at the 2015 Ironman Coeur d'Alene"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 I was privileged recently to talk triathlon with TCSD volunteer extraordinaire, Alexis Barnes.  Alexis has taken on leadership roles as a TCSD Newsletter Editor and our club’s Coordinator for the USA Triathlon National Challenge Competition.  I know you will enjoy getting to know this lady.

 

 "Alexis Barnes finishing the Nautica NYC Triathlon"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with Brannen Henn who is the TCSD Secretary and finished Ironman Hawaii last October in 11:18.  Brannen does a lot for the TCSD and she is definitely someone you should know. 

 

 "Brannen Henn on the run at the 2015 Ironman Hawaii"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have wanted to interview Eric Davidson for 2 years now.  Eric wanted to wait until he finished Ironman Hawaii.  The time has come.  On October 10th Eric joined the very select club of triathletes to have finished the most famous race in our sport.  Eric’s story was worth the wait.

 

 "Eric Davidson competing in the 2015 Ironman World Championship in Kona"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the TCSD members who finished Ironman Hawaii on October 10th.  I asked them 3 questions and I thought you’d enjoy the answers of our elite members.

  "Katherine Adler moments before her 1st Ironman"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have seen the Triathlon Club of San Diego make some great improvements this year largely due to the efforts of Tassia Bezdeka, our Marketing Director.  I hardly knew Tassia before interviewing her, but I’m so glad I reached out to her.  Tassia is clearly a TCSD Superstar as you will soon discover.

 

 Oceanside 70.3: Paula Munoz took this photo... it was my first loop of the run, and the TCSD Cheer Tent was in full force!

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent conversation with TCSD member Bill Gleason.  Bill is one of our valuable volunteers who has helped many members with their swimming, running and much more.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Bill.

"Bill and wife Maggie and daughter Willa Rose enjoying an Encinitas sunset"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the good fortune recently of talking with Tracy Cohen-Peranteau about running, triathlon and just about everything else under the sun.  Tracy is the ultimate ambassador for the TCSD!  I don’t think you could fit any more goodness or enthusiasm for life into a person.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Tracy.     

  Tracy at the 2009 Ironman Arizona with son Sasha and daughter Megan

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