72 - Leslie Battle Athena Champion - Don't Count Her out

Leslie Battle is an advocate for women in sport, specifically Athena triathletes - women triathlon competitors who weigh no less than 165 pounds. Why? Because she is one of them. A decade ago, Leslie tipped the scale at somewhere near 300 pounds. A few events occurred that triggered her to change her life. Because she doesn’t do things partway, she decided to sign up for a half marathon with a week of training – her goal was to make the 3.5 hour cutoff. She went 3:28 and this little thing called momentum had begun. Today Leslie is one of the most accomplished Athena triathletes ever. Not only does she own seven Athena age group or overall national titles, she has been the overall female winner of many races including the East Bay 5k where she even beat all the men to win it outright! I will tell you right now that I have never won a race outright! Leslie is intense, passionate and committed to helping other women find the strength, courage and confidence she has discovered through sport. By day, Leslie has been a corporate attorney since 1995. Type-A all the way, Leslie figured out how to change her life's trajectory, race at the top level of amateurism and attract big time sponsors, all while maintaining her high-powered legal career. She is truly a champion of women who seek support while making their own changes. Leslie is the epitome of authentic. She celebrates her successes and doesn't hide her failures. This magic combination makes her an inspirational yet approachable heroine for so many others.