She always enjoys the opportunity to push herself as a 55-and-older athlete, but she’s had to alter the planned course of one event in recent years. Earlier this year, Mandy Evans of Athens, Ga., tested positive for a diuretic before a triathlon held in China. The drug usually is used to treat weight loss. Evans said she was told that was the reason for the positive test.
She’s been pushing herself since 1981, her years to begin as a member of the U.S. Women’s Triathlon team. During that time, she has won the Ironman 70.3 Hawaiians.
Now, the 71-year-old Evans holds the world record in the women’s 70.3 category. She’s ranked No. 2 in her category, as well as No. 5 in the world. And she continues to excel, as recently as last month.
“I won my age group at the USA Triathlon Junior Nationals in Tucson,” Evans said. “That’s quite an accomplishment in itself. I knew I’d done well, but to win, it really was a big surprise.
“I’m a triathlete who doesn’t get out as much as I want to, but I’m very motivated.”
She’s no slouch on the track either. Evans has won the 20K women’s division at the Anmont Triathlon for the past two years.