Sarah Wassner Flynn

Washington, D.C.

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Award-winning National Geographic children's book author and magazine writer; 4x USAT All-American Triathlete; runner at heart

Articles

The Marathon PRs of Pro Triathletes – Triathlete

3 weeks ago | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn

Being a good triathlete doesn't always mean you'll be a good runner — but there are some pros who have turned in top marathon times.
The Unique Friendships of Women’s Triathlon: “When She Wins, I Win”

1 month ago | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn

In women’s triathlon, there has been a noticeable shift in the narrative, moving away from rivalries (like the notorious tension between Paula Newby-Fraser and Erin Baker) to a culture of athletes genuinely supporting one another. The old mindset of “more for you means less for me” seems to be fading, replaced by a celebration of shared success. Strong friendships among top competitors highlight this change.
The Rise of Women in Triathlon

1 month ago | usatriathlon.org | Sarah Wassner Flynn

*This article originally appeared in the Winter 2020 edition of USA Triathlon Magazine. In the sports world, triathlon is a relative newcomer. After all, while competitive swimming, biking and running date back a century or more, the three sports weren’t all put together into one race until mere decades ago. And, much like other athletic events of the time, women were not woven into the initial fabric of the sport. Case in point?
A Conversation About Race and Diversity in Triathlon

2 months ago | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have recently come under attack in American boardrooms, state legislatures, college campuses, and the federal government. But what about triathlon? As of this writing, Ironman has confirmed their Race For Change scholarship program, which covers the cost of race entry, coaching, travel, and gear for new athletes, is still in place.
Meet the Ironman of the Outdoorsman Triathlon

2 months ago | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn

When it comes to setting streaks in sports, baseball has Cal Ripken, football has Brett Favre, basketball has A.C. Green, and hockey has Doug Jarvis. And triathlon, it seems, has Russ Callen. Never heard of him? Callen’s perfectly fine with that. An unassuming, bespectacled octogenarian with a portly build, an easy, broad smile, and a band of snow-white hair framing his temples like a low-hanging halo, Callen has never raced in Kona or stood atop a world championship podium.
Recalled: 5 Ironman World Championship Finishes That Gave Us All the Feels – Triathlete

Oct 28, 2024 | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn |Liz Hichens

New perk! Get after it with local recommendations just for you. Discover nearby events, routes out your door, and hidden gems when you sign up for the Local Running Drop. Watch anyone as they run down the red-carpeted home stretch of the Ironman World Championships and you’ll likely find it hard to hold back the tears. But there are certain finish-line moments that stand out on an emotional level, and no matter how many years have passed, they still remain with us today.
The Closest Kona Battles in Ironman World Championship History

Oct 22, 2024 | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn

New perk! Get after it with local recommendations just for you. Discover nearby events, routes out your door, and hidden gems when you sign up for the Local Running Drop. Everyone talks about Iron War—the epic 1989 mano-a-mano battle between Mark Allen and Dave Scott—but there have been plenty of other close matchups on the Big Island.
2024 IRONMAN World Championship Kona - Men

Oct 21, 2024 | triathlete.com | Chris Foster |Thorsten Radde |Sarah Wassner Flynn |Jordan Blanco

Three of the fastest long-course age-group men in the world each share a swim, bike, or run session that they use to prepare for their big day at the men's 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
By the Numbers: 2024 Men’s Ironman World Championship

Oct 20, 2024 | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn

New perk! Get after it with local recommendations just for you. Discover nearby events, routes out your door, and hidden gems when you sign up for the Local Running Drop. On Saturday, some 2,400 male triathletes from around the globe will take to the waters, roads, and lava fields of Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman World Championships. From the predicted temps to past achievements, here’s a breakdown of the event, by the numbers. Can’t get enough Ironman World Championship coverage?
“Know That Fitness Isn't Health...Just Because We Do Ironmans Doesn’t Mean That We’re Immortal.”

Oct 1, 2024 | triathlete.com | Sarah Wassner Flynn

New perk! Get after it with local recommendations just for you. Discover nearby events, routes out your door, and hidden gems when you sign up for the Local Running Drop. When Tim O’Donnell suffered a major heart attack during a race in 2021, it highlighted a striking reality in our sport: Even those at the pinnacle of their career can still face unexpected and serious cardiovascular issues.