Sandra Hunter is known for her active lifestyle, having participated in triathlons and biking across the UK. Despite her dedication to fitness, she thrives on setting goals, especially when it comes to competitions. She is gearing up for the 2025 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Spain as part of Team USA. Hunter, a professor of kinesiology, qualified in the female 60-64 age group for the aquathlon event.
An aquathlon includes a 1,000-meter swim followed by a 5-kilometer run. “It’s basically triathlon without the bike,” Hunter explained. “Internationally, it’s easier not to travel with a bike, so aquathlons are more convenient.”
Hunter recently competed in the 2024 World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships in Australia, finishing 14th and as the second-highest-ranking American in her age group. Her daughter, Kennedy Rainwater, joined her, having won a national title in Omaha and placing second in her age category in Australia. Hunter is originally from Australia and lived in England and Colorado before joining Marquette University in Wisconsin. She relocated to the University of Michigan in August.
While in Wisconsin, she joined a triathlon group and qualified for Team USA during nationals in Texas in 2023. Despite a knee injury and a rotator cuff issue, she placed fourth in her age group. Now in Ann Arbor, Hunter is searching for a new training group to prepare for the competition in Spain. She plans to intensify her training this month, focusing on running, swimming, biking, and strength training.
Hunter’s journey has not been idle. Thirty years ago, she biked from Land’s End to John O’Groats in the UK, a challenging solo adventure that sparked her interest in triathlons. Returning to Australia for the championships was a highlight, although competing for Team USA felt bittersweet.
Looking ahead to Spain, Hunter remains focused on her goals, emphasizing the importance of having objectives to stay motivated. “Exercise is medicine. It’s the most underrated therapy,” she stated.
Q&A
What memorable moment in the workplace stands out?
Meeting Francie Kraker Goodridge on campus for the first time in November. My collegiate professor position is named after Francie. I chose Francie because she is a Michigan alum who ran track (800 and 1,500 meters) for the United States in the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games and was the first female track coach for U-M in the 1980s. It was wonderful to connect with Francie and her husband, John, and honor her and her achievements for women in athletics.
What can’t you live without?
Aside from movement, it’s hard to live without my family and positive, forward-thinking people. This is what I love about having come to U-M. The leadership at U-M and in Kinesiology is forward thinking and positive and looks for what’s possible.
Name your favorite spot on campus.
The School of Kinesiology Building is a wonderful place to work and walk into each day. Nichols Arboretum is a wonderful place to find some serenity while walking.
What inspires you?
The underdog who works hard, succeeds and influences others to lift them up and see others thrive. There are a lot of women who fit into that bucket.
What are you currently reading?
To be honest, academic papers. But when I can for pleasure, the latest reads have been “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus and “Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez.
Who had the greatest influence on your career path?
Postdoctoral research associate supervisor/adviser: Professor Roger Enoka at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I was in Roger’s lab for four years and he taught me how to be a positive but critical thinker. He helped provide structure and a framework to build a successful academic and influential career.
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