Get To Know The 2019 Specialized Zwift Academy Tri Team

ZWIFT COMMUNITY | on 4 April 2019 by Craig Taylor
Get To Know The 2019 Specialized Zwift Academy Tri Team

When we opened the application period for the 2019 Specialized Zwift Academy Tri Team, we knew it would be big. But honestly? The response blew us away.

Thousands of athletes applied for a spot. We looked beyond the numbers to find those who would benefit the most from being a part of the world’s best-supported amateur tri team. It wasn’t easy, but we narrowed it down to eight talented and promising triathletes.

They have until October 12 to get Kona-ready. And with mentorship from tri superstars, Tim Don and Sarah True, as well as top-of-the-line support from Specialized, Wahoo, Roka, and Science in Sport, they’ll have the edge they need to conquer the Big Island.

Let’s meet the team.

Levi Hauwert

At 32, this Australian ex-soccer player and model raced his first full Ironman at 30 with a debut time of 8:43!

Philipp Herber

At 29 years old, Philipp Herber from Germany has been competing in triathlons for 11 years, finishing his first Ironman in 2017 in 8:45 and Kona 2018 in 8:56.

Justin Lippert

A 23-year-old from New Jersey, Justin won the overall amateur division in three 2018 USA Tri National Championships—Sprint, Olympic, and 70.3.

Paul Lunn

After taking on a bet to enter a sprint triathlon at 37, Paul quickly learned how to swim. 9 years later, he has two sub-9-hour Ironman finishes and two Kona podiums to his name.

Ruth Purbrook

A 29-year-old who played hockey throughout her school days, Ruth discovered triathlon in 2013. She’s the current 25​–​29 Ironman World Champ and aims to be the overall age group winner at Kona.

Yvonne Timewell

Out of British Columbia, 51-year-old Yvonne grew up with an active family and tried countless sports before finding triathlons. Her first Kona attempt in 2018 landed her on the podium.

Natia van Heerden

A former Olympic-level gymnast, Natia won a podium spot at the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship and has completed four Ironman races.

Maggie Walsh

A 36-year-old competitive swimmer and ultra runner from Colorado who picked up riding along the way, Maggie won the women’s overall title at Ironman Maryland in September 2018.

We have more to come, so be sure to follow the team on the journey to Kona.