members in the news
MEET MRS. AMERICA – AndREA RobERTSon
d
uring the summer, while most Tuscaloosa! I look forward to traveling and
triathletes are focused on perfecting competing in the World Championships in
their swimming, biking and running, 2010 [in Budapest, Hungary].
Andrea Robertson also was preparing for USAT: How do you fit in training for
another competition – the Mrs. America triathlons and your duties for Mrs. America
pageant. In a two-week span, Robertson and your family?
won a spot on Team USA and the Mrs. AR: It is definitely a balancing act. I have
America crown. USA Triathlon caught up with no problem skipping a workout to be with
Robertson to find out how she juggles her my family; it makes me work harder when
busy schedule. I do get a chance to train. I am a typical
USA TRIAThlon: How did you get triathlete, sometimes on my CompuTrainer
involved in Mrs. America? What type of at 10 at night. I will run or swim early in the
preparation goes into your participation? morning, and I can train while my children
AndREA RobERTSon: I competed in the are at school. My husband Ryan is very
Mrs. Missouri pageant in March 2009. My supportive and takes care of the kids when I
children are 3 and 5 years old, and I felt like it have to squeeze in that crucial workout.
was a great experience for the whole family. USAT: How do you impress the
The Mrs. America pageant system is about importance of fitness upon others?
strengthening marriages and families and AR: I try to lead by example. I truly
showcasing married women as strong, active believe that a sprint triathlon is just as
individuals. The preparation is very intense. challenging as an Olympic distance. I live a
I train year-round like most triathletes so I lifestyle that is submerged in sports and I
felt prepared physically, but the interview love every minute of it. It is a message I try
portion is the most important, so I worked to relay to everyone around me.
with an interview coach. I researched and USAT: What has been your most
found the best people to work with in my memorable triathlon moment?
preparation. It paid off, and I won Mrs. AR: Two years ago, I lost a race by 4
Missouri. The Mrs. America pageant was seconds and was pretty disappointed. Right
in September 2009 and I won that, giving after my race, there was a children’s fun run
me the opportunity to compete at the Mrs. and my daughter Kylie, who was 3 at the
World pageant [in Vietnam, where she time, ran the entire race with a smile across
finished as the first runner-up]. I show up at her face! She had no idea where she finished
pageants having faith in my training, just like and neither did I. It made such an impact on
at a race. me as a mother and a triathlete.
USAT: Is the Mrs. America pageant USAT: Do you have plans for future
similar to other pageants like Miss America? triathlons or other athletic endeavors?
AR: The Mrs. America pageant is very AR: I have so many! I have verbally
similar to other pageants. However, there committed to my family to do an Ironman on
is no talent competition. The breakdown my 40th birthday. I figure that gives me time
of scoring for Mrs. America is 50 percent to put it off! I will also continue to train and
interview, 25 percent evening gown and 25 set my sights on USAT Age Group Nationals
percent swimsuit. I am thankful there is no each year.
talent competition – I don’t think jogging on USAT: What do you enjoy doing when
stage would impress the judges very much! you’re not participating in triathlons or
USAT: What is your platform? How does pageants?
that fit in with your lifestyle? AR: I really enjoy hanging out with my
AR: My platform is about encouraging husband and children. We have so much fun
women and girls to get active and stay together. I was just introduced to Bikram
active. I am an ambassador for the Women’s yoga, and I am hooked.
Sports Foundation. Triathlon is not just a USAT: Any closing thoughts?
hobby, but also a lifestyle. My platform is AR: I think that in the sports world, many
my lifestyle, and I believe that triathlon women and girls have the feeling that they
is a rewarding lifestyle, no matter what have to suppress their femininity to be a
competition level. successful athlete. I think it is fantastic to set
USAT: You also just became a member of a personal record on the race course, or have
Team USA – how do you feel about that? a personal best mile split, and then go home,
AR: I earned a spot on Team USA two throw on a dress and heels and celebrate
weeks before I won Mrs. America. You better being a woman.
believe I was praying for no bike crashes at — Interview by USA Triathlon’s Lindsay
the National Age Group Championships in Wyskowski.
20 USA TriAThlon winter 10
USATTriWinter10pgs3-51.indd 20 12/9/09 11:58:09 AM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140