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

Home: Gaithersburg, MD
Birthday: 9/1/75

2004 USAT Elite Rookie of the Year

Full Name: Rebeccah Irene Wassner
Hometown: Gaithersburg, Md.
City of residence: New York, N.Y. Weekends: Gardiner, N.Y. & New Paltz, N.Y.
College: Mount St. Mary’s College
Height: 5-2
Weight: 105
Birth date: 9/1/75
Birth Place: Washington, DC
Website: www.wassnertwins.com

Personal:

Rebeccah Irene Wassner… Born September 1, 1975 in Washington, DC… Nickname is Bec… One of four daughters of Elizabeth O’Connell Wassner & Irving Wassner of Silver Spring, Md… Twin sister, Laurel, swam at George Washington Univeristy and now competes in triathlon… Sister, Sarah, was high school cross country state champion… Worked five years as an accountant before focusing on triathlon… One of a few pro triathletes who live in New York City, Rebeccah spends most of her days training at Chelsea Piers Sports Club or in Central Park… On weekends (when not traveling to races), Rebeccah and her boyfriend, John, head north to their cottage in New Paltz, N.Y… In addition to swimming, biking & running, Rebeccah spends time rock climbing, doing Pilates and hiking.

Elite Career Highlights:

Earned wins at ITU Isla Margarita Pan Am Cup, Philadephia Triathlon, Westchester Triathlon, and Ryka Irongirl Triathlon in 2007…Part of elite worlds team in 2006… Ninth at Edmonton World Cup (2006)… Third at NYC Triathlon (2004, 2006, 2007)… Third at Chicago Triathlon (2004)… Third at Pan Am Regional Champs (2006)… Second at Westchester ITU Triathon (2006)… 23rd at Hamburg World Cup (2006)… 21st Cancun World Cup (2006)… 2004 Elite Rookie of the Year… Did not compete in 2005 due to pelvic stress fracture.

Amateur Career Highlights:

Featured in Nov. 3, 2003 Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd… 2003 25-29 Age Group National champ… 2nd NYC Triathlon, 2002, 2003.

Athletic Background:

Four-time Maryland State High School Champion (Track)… Division I cross country & track at Mt. St. Mary’s College (13 time conference champion & holder of 4 school records)… 2001 New York Road Runners Age Group Runner of the Year… Member of FILA Discovery USA Marathon team… Has competed in New York, Chicago, London and Philadelphia Marathons.