Rebeccah Wassner
Rebeccah Wassner is a three-time winner of the New York City Triathlon (’09, ’10, ’11), holds records on the Philadelphia and Columbia Triathlon courses, and was a member of the US National Team in the 2006-2007 season.
In 1998 year, when Laurel was diagnosed with cancer, Rebeccah quit her job as a CPA in Washington, DC and moved in with her twin in NYC’s West Village. Rebeccah nursed her sister through chemotherapy and a long recovery, channeling her anger and sadness about her twin’s illness into marathons, then triathlons. When Laurel had finally regained strength, Rebeccah fractured her hip while training. Benched for the next year, Rebeccah directed her ample energy toward training her sister, who quickly rose to the top of the amateur field and eventually turned pro.
Rebeccah has never uttered the phrases, “I can’t” or “I don’t want to.” This unflappable attitude has earned her athletic accolades nearly her entire life. She swam year-round from ages 7 to 18; is a three-time Maryland High School state track champion; ran Division 1 cross country and track at Mt. St. Mary’s College, where she is a 5-time school record holder; was named the 2009 USA Triathlon Athlete of the Year; and the 2004 USA Triathlon Rookie of the Year. She is most proud of her Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults “Fight” Award.
Rebeccah Wassner splits her time between New York City and New Paltz, NY. She is married to John Heppolette. When training, competing, or cooking, Rebeccah, works as a CPA at the NYC bakery Amy’s Bread.
Achievements of Rebeccah Wassner
- 2009 USA Triathlon Athlete of the Year
- 2004 USA Triathlon Rookie of the Year
- 3-Time New York City Triathlon Champion (’09, ’10, ’11)
- 4-Time Philadelphia Triathlon Champion & course record holder (’07-’09,’11)
- 2-Time Columbia Triathlon Champion & course record holder (’08, ’09)
- St. Anthony’s Triathlon Champion
- Member of US National Team (2006-2007)
Honors
- Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults “Fight” Award
- Inducted into the Mount St. Mary’s College Sports Hall of Fame, February 2010.
Athletic Background - Ran Division 1 Cross Country & Track at Mt. St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, MD – 13 time conference champions & 5 time school record holder
- 3-time Maryland High School state champion (track)
- Member of Fila Discovery USA post-collegiate running program
Rebeccah Wassner is exceptionally talented and accomplished triathlete. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You started at a very young age of seven years with swimming and reached the pinnacle of success by winning three-time the New York City Triathlon (’09, ’10, ’11). What factors do you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
Hard work, first of all! When I decided to leave my career as a Chartered Accountant/CPA to become a professional triathletes, I was very focused on proving to myself that I could be the best. I knew I had the ability to compete against the world’s best, but it wasn’t easy to adapt. It took a lot of determination and willpower to stay focused on my goals.
Rebeccah Wassner on WomenFitness: The Womenfitness website is a place to find everything you need to know about being healthy and fit. For all the readers out there, you can do anything on this website! Just keep at it, stay focused and most of all have fun!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
I usually run 5 times a week, ride my bike 5 times and swim 5 times. I also spend time in the weight room with a personal fitness trainer, where we target strengthening specific muscles. Pilates mat classes are also a favorite of mine. In the off-season, I like to experiment with different sorts of exercise, like rock climbing, hiking, cross country skiing, etc.
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