Colleen Cannon

Colleen Cannon (born 1960) is a female pioneer of the sport of triathlon, competing from 1981-1992 and winning multiple races including the World Triathlon Championship in 1984. After she retired from competition, she formed a women’s adventure retreat company called Women's Quest, which focuses on exercise and outdoor activities to empower women.

Cannon was first exposed to running and biking through her love of horses and her lack of transportation. She learned to sprint and bike long distances when she would go to and from the stables. Cannon was always a swimmer. Starting at the age of five her mother would take her swimming at the local country club. She started competitively swimming with the Amateur Athletic Union in Indiana and continued in college. She went on to win the World Championship in Nice, France in 1984 and two national championships in 1988 and 1990. 1984: World Triathlon Champion 1986: Winner, Orange County Performing Arts Center Triathlon 1987: Winner, Coke Red Jersey 1987: 2nd place, Stroh's Chicago Triathlon 1988: Winner, Orange County Performing Arts Center Triathlon

Cannon has been a spokeswoman for Tri for the Cure.

Later career In 1992 Cannon had an encounter with a native Hopi Indian tribe where she was told "women will save the planet." At that point, she realized that she was meant to do more than be a triathlete.

Personal life Cannon is married to Howard Kaushansky. She first came to Boulder, Colorado in 1983 to work with Diane Israel. She relocated to the area in 1986 where she has lived ever since and has helped create the burgeoning triathlon community there.