People: Wendy Ingraham

CHAMPION TRIATHLETE

To those who follow triathlons, marathons, bike racing, and other tests of physical endurance, her face (and body) has become a very familiar sight. One of the world's top triathletes, winner of nine international events from Brasil to Australia in the past two years, Wendy Ingraham, '87, has also emerged as one of the sport's top personalities.

Ingraham has a ubiquitous presence on magazine covers--most recently in Women's Sports Fitness (October 1996). She also appears in numerous full page ads. Because of her charisma and success, Wendy enjoys a lengthy list of sponsors, including TYR swimwuits, Saucony, Kestel, and PR Nutrition. 'Persistence and personality,' she explains. 'That's the number one rule in everything.'

A native of Battle Creek, now living in Walnut Creek, CA, Wendy swam for MSU in the 100, 200, 500 and 1600 freestyles, as well as the 100 and 200 individual medleys. She made All-American in 1985, winning a Big Ten title and making the NCAAs. 'I loved going to MSU,' she says. 'Just the other day, I met a young guy working out who is thinking about going to MSU. I told him I got a great education, met wonderful people and had a wonderful time there.'

After MSU, to win a bet with her father, she entered a local triathlon event and did well. After moving to California, where she started a landscape design business, she entered some more events. In 1991 she finished fourth in Nice, then placed 10th at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. 'I was all excited,' she remembers. Today she averages a weekly 250 miles cycling, 60 miles running, and 20,000 yards swimming. 'That's nothing,' she notes. 'At MSU we used to do 10,000-meter workouts a day.'

She considers herself the Dennis Rodman of her sport, and says that one day--if Hard Copy were interested- -she'll explain the origin of her nickname, 'Wingnut.' Clearly, Wendy isn't about to soft pedal her image just yet.