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Erin Baker MBE (born 23 May 1961 in Kaiapoi, New Zealand) is a New Zealand triathlete. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British Order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Year 1961 ( MCMLXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Kaiapoi is a town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and A triathlon is an endurance sports event consisting of Swimming, cycling and Running over various distances

Erin is a well known, female athlete who for years dominated the Olympic distance and Ironman Triathlon circuit. She was known for her outstanding performances in triathlon disciplines and won many World Titles, World Championships and Iron Man titles.

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Early life

As a young athlete, Erin proved to have ability. Upon the suggestion by her mother Mary, Erin began running competitively at age 15 and showed ability right from the start. “I remember the first day Erin competed in a cross-country race. I was waiting for her to come in thinking God, she won't be very pleased because she hasn’t done very well. In fact, I missed her crossing the finish line a quarter of an hour earlier, in first place” [1] This competitiveness and desire has been evident in Erin from an early age and her hunger, victory and ambition was a characteristic of her later success.

One of eight children her siblings include Phillipa Baker (New Zealand rower and 1991 Halberg award winner) and Kathy and Maureen who were both national titlists in swimming and aerobics, proving Erin comes from a very talented sporting family [2]

Competing

This remarkable kiwi athlete was originally coached by John Hellemans but controlled and developed her successful career by self training, “I was self-trained. I just trained as much as my body would handle, and that was a shit load. I trained and trained, and I trained more if I had time. I never got injured so I would often do more in case somebody else was training while I was resting” [3] . This quote only highlights the sheer determination of the woman and the competitive desire to win at all costs, even if the costs were physical.

Baker was also well known for her feisty nature. Though this obviously helped her sporting career on a physical level, it held her back off the track and Baker was often the centre of controversy. In 1981 she was convicted of throwing explosive devices while protesting during the South African Rugby team tour of New Zealand. This act prevented her from entering the United States for several years, restricting her from competing in any American competitions [4]. Baker was also known for her protests at the Hawaii Ironman competitions when she rebelled against the notion of the winner of the men’s division receiving a car and the women’s division winner receiving nothing for her efforts. She voiced her opinions on numerous occasions and as a result was well known as a controversial athlete [5]

Post triathlon career

Christchurch where she now resides with fellow triathlete and husband Scott Molina. Together she and Scott (nicknamed Skid) have two children; Miguel and Tandia.

With a remarkable career under her belt, she finished her triathlon stint in 1994 with an extraordinary record of 104 wins from 121 triathlons entered. (Romanos, 2006).

As well as being recognised by New Zealanders and athletes world-wide in the sport of triathlon, Erin Baker was also named “Triathlete of the decade” by American magazine Triathlete; a remarkable feat in itself. The magazine commented on Erin’s success by saying “We’ve stopped trying to figure Erin out, we just accept her as the best female triathlete that ever lived” (Palenski & Romanos, 2000). This is true recognition of a deserving athlete.

As a kiwi sporting legend it is remarkable this world renowned athlete has not been recognised more for her achievements, with information about Erin Baker hard to obtain. Erin Baker is a legend in her own right and deserves all recognition she can receive for her creditable achievements at a very high level. She is a female kiwi athlete we should all be proud to claim as our own.

Results


References

  1. ^ Palenski & Romanos, (2000), pg 83
  2. ^ Romanos (2006)
  3. ^ Interview by Dan Empfield. Slow Twitch (1999-10-01). Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 331 BC - Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela. Retrieved on 2008-04-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 217 - Roman Emperor Caracalla is Assassinated (and succeeded by his Praetorian
  4. ^ Palenski & Romanos, (2000)
  5. ^ SMACKDOWN!: Who Are the Top Three Female Triathletes of All Time?. Inside Triathlon (2008-02-27). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation Retrieved on 2008-04-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 217 - Roman Emperor Caracalla is Assassinated (and succeeded by his Praetorian

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