Biography
Although a newcomer to the sport of triathlon, Ben Collins has made a major impact on the triathlon community. In his second year Ben was the USAT Overall National Champion, and is looking to take that title to the World Championships in September. This is a natural progression from Ben’s first year in the sport, when he was crowned top amateur at five triathlons, and was the National Champion in the 20-24 age group and Overall Runner-up at the USAT Age Group Nationals. These accomplishments led to Ben’s selection as an All-American by USAT and best in his age group for 2006 by Inside Triathlon Magazine. This was a remarkable rookie year for Ben, and it bodes well for his Olympic dreams. His coach Dr. Michael McMahon, a coach to a previous Olympic Champion and other elite athletes, is helping Ben to maintain the most direct path to his goals. For the short term, he will compete one final year as an amateur in 2007 in hopes of taking the National and World titles.
Ben is a graduate in engineering from Columbia University, where he received All-Ivy League honors in both swimming and academics. After graduation, Ben became involved in several local groups, including the community activist Hawaii Bicycling League, and quickly became an active and well-respected member of the community. Ben gave back to the Honolulu community through triathlon coaching for Team Jet Hawaii and by teaching bicycle safety to grade school children. Because of his community involvement and consistent podium finishes, Ben quickly became a person of influence in Hawaii’s endurance community. After a year in paradise, Ben decided to return home to the beautiful Northwest in order to continue his education, and to allow him to compete in larger races.
