Amanda Huck does it all
From the classroom to the world stage, triathlete Amanda Huck does it all.
As a runner, a swimmer and an amazing instructional coach, Short Elementary couldn’t be more proud to call her a Shorthorn.
“She truly is a role model for our students,” said Short Elementary principal Betsy Berkebile.
That’s why the school came together to celebrate one of her most remarkable accomplishments – competing in the 2024 World Triathlon.
The journey to that stage started more than 20 years ago after Huck was inspired by the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
“Swimming and running have always been a part of my life,” she said. “I’ve been participating in triathlons for almost 13 years now.”
After a brief hiatus to focus on her two kids, Huck was determined to get back into the groove.
“After you have kids, it takes some time to feel like yourself again,” she said.
She took a huge stride in 2023 when she placed in the top three at the 2023 nationals – her ticket to representing the United States at the World Triathlon Aquathlon in Australia in August this year.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Huck said. “You want to go to something like this and show what you are capable of, so I really put in the work. Being on that starting line with people from all over the world was a really amazing experience.”
After two runs and a 1,000-meter swim, Huck finished seventh and was the top finishing American in her age division.
“When I finished it was this overwhelming feeling of I did it,” Huck said. “I was so proud of myself and I felt really good. I didn’t have a single negative thought in my head. When you pour so much energy into something, it’s a really great feeling to cross that finish line.”
But it was more than just a victory, it was a personal milestone that hit close to home. 
“In order to be the best mom, I want to be the best me,” she said. “Doing this made me feel like I’m finally back to who I was.”
And she couldn’t have done it without the support of her community at Short.
“This school is just amazing,” Huck said. “Before I left, they signed a huge banner for me. I felt so much love. From the beginning to the end, they have been my greatest supporters.”
In return, Huck shared her story as an inspiration for the entire school.
“She’s showed how hard work really pays off,” Berkebile said. “That if you put in the work each and every day, you can achieve your greatest goals.”
But the journey for Huck doesn’t end there as she is currently training for her last race of the season. And she plans to continue doing what she does best.
“It’s beyond a hobby,” she said. “It’s a part of me.”