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Amanda Huck does it all

From the classroom to the world stage, triathlete Amanda Huck does it all.����

As a runner, a swimmer and an amazing instructional coach, Short Elementary couldn’t be more proud to call her a Shorthorn.����

“She truly is a role model for our students,” said Short Elementary principal Betsy Berkebile.����

That’s why the school came together to celebrate one of her most remarkable accomplishments – competing in the .����

The journey to that stage started more than 20 years ago after Huck was inspired by the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.��

“Swimming and running have always been a part of my life,” she said. “I’ve been participating in triathlons for almost 13 years now.”��

After a brief hiatus to focus on her two kids, Huck was determined to get back into the groove.��

“After you have kids, it takes some time to feel like yourself again,” she said.��

She took a huge stride in 2023 when she placed in the top three at the 2023 nationals – her ticket to representing the United States at the World Triathlon Aquathlon in Australia in August this year.����

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Huck said. “You want to go to something like this and show what you are capable of, so I really put in the work. Being on that starting line with people from all over the world was a really amazing experience.”

After two runs and a 1,000-meter swim, Huck finished seventh and was the top finishing American in her age division.��

“When I finished it was this overwhelming feeling of I did it,” Huck said. “I was so proud of myself and I felt really good. I didn’t have a single negative thought in my head. When you pour so much energy into something, it’s a really great feeling to cross that finish line.”��

But it was more than just a victory, it was a personal milestone that hit close to home.��

“In order to be the best mom, I want to be the best me,” she said. “Doing this made me feel like I’m finally back to who I was.”��

And she couldn’t have done it without the support of her community at Short.������������

“This school is just amazing,” Huck said. “Before I left, they signed a huge banner for me. I felt so much love. From the beginning to the end, they have been my greatest supporters.”����

In return, Huck shared her story as an inspiration for the entire school.����

“She’s showed how hard work really pays off,” Berkebile said. “That if you put in the work each and every day, you can achieve your greatest goals.”��

But the journey for Huck doesn’t end there as she is currently training for her last race of the season. And she plans to continue doing what she does best.����

“It’s beyond a hobby,” she said. “It’s a part of me.”��