XTERRA World Championship

PERSONAL: Born April 3, 1975 in Salisbury, England...swam for Louisiana State University from 1993-97...earned a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and masters degree in exercise physiology.

WEBSITE: juliedibens.com

XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth year. In her first-ever XTERRA in 2006 she finished 2nd at XTERRA France, and later won XTERRA Denmark. Placed 7th in the XTERRA European Tour in 2006.

RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Was an All-American swimmer in 1997, amateur triathlon world champion in 1998, European Championship bronze medalist in 2000, Olympic qualifier in 2000 and Olympic team member in 2004 (she placed 30th in triathlon event). 2007: Won XTERRA Guam, finished second at XTERRA Saipan, and won the Tagaman triathlon to win the Pacific Islands Club Double Award (hotel stay for a week for next year’s races). Also won XTERRA UK. Had a brilliant year on the road circuit with wins at St. Croix 70.3, British Nationals, UK 70.3. Was 3rd at Minneapolis Lifetime Fitness, 2d at NY Lifetime Fitness, 3rd at Chicago Tri, 2d at LA Tri and 2d at US Open in Dallas. Won XTERRA Worlds. 2008: Won XTERRA UK for the second straight year and XTERRA Austria. On the road she won the London Triathlon and Switzerland 70.3, was 2nd at UK 70.3, then won her second straight XTERRA World Title, and was 4th at Ironman 70.3 Worlds. LAST YEAR: Won XTERRA Guam, finished second at XTERRA Saipan despite cracking a rib, placed 2nd at Ironman UK 70.3, the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon, and Boulder Peak. Won the 5430 Long Course triathlon, crashed at the Chicago Tri but rebounded to take 3rd at the LA Tri and US Open in Dallas, TX. Became the first pro - man or woman - to win XTERRA Worlds three straight years, then won Ironman 70.3 Worlds three weeks later. THIS YEAR: Has been remarkable on the road, winning Abu Dhabi, Wildflower, Rev 3 Knoxville, Boise 70.3, Boulder 70.3 and the Malibu Tri. Finished 3rd at Ironman Worlds in 9:10:04 (fastest bike split with a 4:55:28) in her first-ever long distance tri.