From field hockey to Ironman in under four years
Amanda Yohn conquered the 140.6-mile challenge at Ironman Lake Placid in 2024, earning the title of full Ironman. This incredible journey from a standout high school field hockey player to a serious triathlete took just over three years. Her story highlights how dedication and hard work can lead to impressive achievements in a short amount of time. Yohn’s path is a testament to the power of passion and determination.
Yohn's journey in triathlon began when she competed in a super sprint race in Warrington, Pennsylvania, in 2021. She described that first race as the moment she was “bitten by the bug.” Prior to this, she had played two seasons of field hockey in college and applied the same competitive drive to her new sport. Her natural athleticism and strong work ethic helped her transition quickly from a short-course beginner to someone with ambitious goals in long-distance racing.
How did she move so fast from short to long-distance events? Yohn credits her father for being her rock. He handles all her bike maintenance and ensures her equipment is always in top shape for each race. But the real turning point came in 2021 when she met Robin Barth. At that time, Barth had not yet founded Rise Up Racing, and their relationship began as friends. Soon, Barth became her coach, playing a key role in shaping her progress and mindset.
The mantra that changed her game
Barth’s coaching became a cornerstone of Yohn’s success. Her guiding principle, “Trust the process, Robin will get you ready,” has carried her through every tough training session. This belief proved its worth when she completed her first full Ironman at Lake Placid in 2024, with her coach and teammates cheering her on. That race marked a significant milestone in her career and solidified her as a full Ironman.
Since completing her full Ironman, Yohn has competed in several half-Ironman races, including events like Musselman and Happy Valley. In one of these races this season, she significantly improved her personal best by 20 minutes, showing the rapid pace of her development. Last weekend, she finished Ironman 70.3 Maine in Augusta with a strong swim time, which was aided by the race’s current-boosted, downriver course.
Yohn has raced extensively across the East Coast, but she maintains a deep connection to her home state. The Back Mountain Triathlon in Northeast Pennsylvania is her favorite local event. She especially admires the enthusiastic volunteers and the strong sense of community that transforms each race into a celebration. Events like Back Mountain highlight the growing athletic culture in the region and the welcoming environment it offers.
What triathlon means to Yohn
For Yohn, triathlon is about more than just reaching the finish line. She looks forward to every aspect of the journey, especially training with her teammates. She and her group often meet for 5:30 a.m. virtual training sessions on Zwift, and they share in the excitement of weekend races and mutual support. The camaraderie among athletes gives her the energy to push forward and stay motivated.
When she’s not training, Yohn enjoys escaping to the beach for a recharge. Her favorite spot is Assateague Island, a place where she can relax and find peace. Among the three triathlon disciplines—swim, bike, run—she clearly favors the bike leg, a preference that has remained steady throughout her career. The bike has always been her favorite part, offering a sense of freedom and control.
After every race, regardless of the results, Yohn treats herself to a simple reward: a cold Diet Coke with plenty of ice. This small indulgence is one of the few things she truly enjoys. Whether she wins or not, her mindset stays focused on the process and on giving her all each time she steps up to the starting line. Her story is a reminder that success in triathlon is as much about the daily grind as it is about the finish line.