Name: Cindy Sierzputowski
Nickname: Ski
Born: January 21, 1965, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Residence: Sault Ste Marie

St. Joseph Island Triathlon Events Participated in:
I have competed in the Sprint triathlon for the last two years.

Favourite, most memorable Triathlon moment:
My favourite or most memorable moment would be completing my first triathlon at St Joseph Island in 2007 and landing on the podium with a 3rd place age group medal. I shared the podium with a friend of mine who placed 1st.  This remains to be one of my favourite pictures.   Last year I was the recipient of the 1st place age group, however, I don’t think I will be able to ever beat the thrill of that FIRST event.  But it is this moment that fuels my continued passion for Triathlon.

Favourite leg in the triathlon:
My favourite leg is the bike, as this is my strongest of the three disciplines. This is where I feel the most competitive.  I am a mid pack swimmer so it gives me great pleasure to pass the early finishers from the water.  To me this is where my race begins!

Occupation:
I am a Registered Nurse working in critical care.  I take care of many people who have not taken care of themselves.  It is here where I get a lot of my motivation from.

Bravest moment:
My bravest moment was last year at the Interlochen Triathlon, being that I am new to swimming and self taught.  Last year I took front row in the heat.  There was a fairly large field and I took the front row, knowing I was going to get pummelled in the water.  That truly got me over my fear and into a mid pack finish.  Last year the uncharacteristic rough water of the Island Tri did not leave with any doubt or fear.  Mission accomplished: confidence in the water.  Soon I will work on technique and improve my swimming leg.

Hope to Inspire . . .
I wish to inspire the mortals…the ones who feel they can’t.  It is so gratifying and rewarding.  I enjoy sharing my journey and invite others to come along.  It is a positive place to bring your being and energy.  Sharing this journey with others is only good.

Motivation:
I am diabetic.  Most people don’t realize this is a vascular disease.  To combat or delay the complications of Diabetes, I require optimal control.  This is also important in improving insulin resistance.  The key to this is exercise.  I would prefer to avoid or at least prevent the complications of heart, renal, retinopathy, and peripheral vascular disease.  Everyone is motivated by different things.  It is a matter of finding what ticks for you.  I would like to help others find that so that they may enjoy this journey as well.