(submitted photo/Shanda Hill)

By Pete McIntyre

Switzerland

Vernon athlete beats the heat at Double Deca

Aug 23, 2023 | 1:02 PM

A Vernon athlete is in the midst of her latest competition that will push her body to the limits, and beyond.

Shanda Hill has completed the 76 km swim at the Double Deca triathlon in Buchs, Switzerland, and is now onto the second stage, a 3,600 km cycling challenge.

The temperature in Buchs on Wednesday, Aug. 23 was a toasty 31 degrees Celsius, so Hill decided to cycle during the cooler night hours and cloudy conditions, while strategically taking a nap during the peak heat of the day.

Hill is known as one of Canada’s — and the world’s — top ultra triathletes.

“A Double Deca is an extreme endurance event that pushes the limits of human physical and mental capabilities,” a news release updating Hill’s race stated. “It is a type of ultra triathlon that consists of completing 20 iron distance triathlons.

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In a Double Deca, athletes are required to complete the following distances over an extended period of time: Swim: 76 km (47 miles); Bike: 3,600 km (2,237 miles) and Run: 844 km (524 miles).

Hill has consistently pushed the boundaries of her athleticism throughout her career. In 2017, she secured the #1 ranking among female ultra triathlon athletes worldwide by the International Ultra Triathlon Association (IUTA).

That came along with an IUTA-confirmed world record, as Hill became the first woman ever to conquer two Deca triathlons in a single year.

For more information, updates, and to follow Shanda Hill’s journey through the Double Deca event, visit her social media channels:

Instagram: @ShandaHillUltra

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShandaHillUltraAthlete