Biography | Lisa Bentley

Lisa Bentley 11x IRONMAN Champion

Biography

High-performing professional athletes like Lisa Bentley (BMath ‘92) battle injuries, fatigue and self-doubt. But few must additionally contend with an often fatal genetic disease – cystic fibrosis – that can produce severe breathing problems and frequent infections.

Bentley, who has a mild strain of CF, has won eleven Ironman competitions, the last coming in August 2007 at Ironman Canada. The aptly named Ironman requires a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre bike ride and a 42-kilometre run.

Bentley began her career teaching high school mathematics in Caledon, Ontario, spending weekends and summers training and competing in triathlons. After a few years achieving top racing results, she decided to leave teaching and explore professional athletics.

Bentley had been diagnosed with CF but decided that it wouldn’t get the best of her. She was determined to have a healthy and successful career as an athlete. Her intense training commitment of 25 to 30 hours each week, strict health regimen and steely determination have paid off.

In 2006, Bentley finished third at the Hawaii Ironman World Championships and three weeks later finished second at the 70.3 World Championships in Florida.

2007 was a tough year, plagued by a heel injury. Bentley proudly calls her win at Ironman Canada one of the most special. She wasn’t sure if she could finish, let alone win, but her positive attitude and winning formula drove her to her third Ironman Canada title.

Bentley may have left professional teaching, but she is a natural leader whose enthusiasm inspires others. She spends her non-racing hours promoting the need for greater CF research as part of the Cure4CF campaign.

She also visits classrooms and boardrooms to share her story of perseverance, gives motivational talks to athletes young and old, and writes detailed blogs to share her struggles and triumphs with her fans.

Bentley has chosen to not let her disease rule her life. She says, “Attitude is more important than fact. The fact may be that you have an obstacle, but it is how you think about that obstacle that determines its manageability.”

With a legion of fans worldwide who are inspired by her commitment, down-to-earth philosophy on her sport, and an astonishing record of success, Lisa Bentley’s professional career is one to watch.

Written by Jude Doble, University of Waterloo

Lisa Bentley’s Stats

Athletic Background

  • Varsity Cross-Country Running Team, 1987-1991

  • 8th at CIAU Cross-Country Championships, 1990

Skills

  • Television race commentating for Outdoor Life Network’s and Sportsnet

  • Motivational speaking for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and other companies

  • Coaching triathlon training camps / skills camps

  • Proficient and dynamic public speaker

  • Lecturing at nutrition and fitness seminars with audiences ranging from children to adults

  • Well-developed problem solving skills related to math and computer science training

Career Information

  • Taught computer science and mathematics for 6 years

  • Wrote computer science curriculum for Dufferin/Peel R.C.S.S.B.

  • Graduated from The University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics, Co-op Teaching Option, 1992

  • Graduated from The University of Western with a Bachelor in Education, Honours, 1992

  • Received Math Honours Specialist additional qualifications certificate

Interests

  • Motivating others to participate in sport and fitness and to embrace a life of well-being

  • Fundraising and raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis

  • Guest speaking, reading, sport marketing

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