Shangrila Rendon is a pro Ultra Triathlete and the Guinness World Record Holder (2015) as the Fastest Female to complete 5 Ironman in 5 consecutive days, (consisting of 12 mi swim, 560 mi bike, 131 mi run).

From walking for an hour every day to and from her first job in the U.S. at age 17, and spending 15 minutes on a treadmill before work at 19 years old, having no athletic background whatsoever, Shangrila Rendon transformed herself into a world class athlete. She did not have a bike, was afraid of water and did not know how to swim until the age of 29. 

Her journey may have started slow as she was juggling being a medical device engineer full-time and completing a Master’s degree at the same time. However, she was fuelled by guts and driven by pure determination to leave behind her horrible past. 

She has been thru some dark times – sexual abuse as a child, eating disorder, PTSD, severe depression, alcoholism and suicidal ideation. 

She represents and stands up for the abused children everywhere, bringing awareness to their cause, creating inspiration and motivation in those who are too afraid to speak.

“I want to give hope to other survivors with a similar past that we can all transform our lives to something amazing and that life is (or can be) beautiful. I want to show that dreams do come true even if you don’t believe it at times of unbearable struggle”

Beginning her journey in Borrego Springs, California on July 7th, Shangrila cycled through California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama all the way to Savannah, Georgia. Overcoming temperatures that exceeded 100 degrees, desert roads, high humidity, endless climbs, rain, and very minimal sleep. 

To hear more about her journey click the links below.

WBRC FOX6 News in Alabama

Fox28 Savannah News

KTFS Newsradio 107.1FM