At the age of 16, Debbie was an avid runner and biker, obsessed with Cross Country, Track, and cycling 100-mile rides with her father. It was at this time Debbie set the goal to complete an Ironman one day, however this meant she would need to learn the thing she dreaded most: swimming.

In 2018 Debbie decided to finally work towards this goal. She got a membership at a local pool and started watching YouTube videos to teach herself how to swim. 8 weeks later Debbie did her first triathlon. Even though in the footage it appeared she was drowning, Debbie fully embraced the sport afterwards and never looked back again.

While her swim improved over the years, she decided it was finally time to commit and train for a full Ironman in 2022. She partnered with best friend and coach, Brent Detta, who took a moderately fast biker/runner and transformed her into a REAL triathlete. 6 weeks after working together, Debbie broke the tape at Puerto Rico 70.3. And 4.5 months after Puerto Rico, Debbie not only completed her first full Ironman in Mont Tremblant, but she was the overall amateur female and would’ve finished 7th amongst professional women. Since IMMT, Debbie won her age group at 70.3 Worlds twice in St George and Lahti, broke the tape at Galveston 70.3 and finished second overall female at Ironman Nice.

Currently, you can catch Debbie training hard in the City of Bellingham as their Elite Athlete Ambassador. Whether it is trail running on Chuckanut Mountain, cycling the climb to Mt Baker, or swimming in one of many beautiful lakes, this pacific northwest city is the ultimate triathlon training ground.

2024 will be Debbie’s first year taking on the professional triathlon world. She couldn’t be more excited to race such hardworking, incredible women. You will see her smiling through every race, enjoying every moment, and hoping to make a positive impact on every course.