Charity Fick takes a look each week at the women who help shape the obstacle racing industry both publicly and behind the scenes. This series publishes a new profile every Wednesday on Mud Run Guide. Some of the women are the most public figures in the sport and others work tirelessly behind the scenes promoting and working in the industry.
Badass Women of OCR: Cynthia Campanaro
Cynthia has had quite the interesting career within the OCR community. She started her journey in 2012 and has since tackled many OCR and running events, letting no perceived fears get in her way. Initially, as I started to learn more about her, I was intrigued. Not only is she a mom, but she was able to in 2014 at the Spartan Sprint in Toronto chase down Helene Dumais (and we all know that is a feat within itself).
Getting to Know Bad Ass Women of OCR – Lindsay Webster-Atkins
In our crazy OCR community, we are all family, and our family stretches across the country, from coast to coast and even internationally. You get to know of and to know some very interesting and crazy people (in a good way). I have been following and participating in the OCR world for a couple of years now, and wanted to get to know some of the “athletes” a bit better.
Badass Women of OCR – Morgan Mckay
Most recently, Morgan Mckay placed 3rd in the World’s Toughest Mudder event in Las Vegas Nevada. I was quite intrigued by this third place win and to be honest wanted to know more about her. I did some quick research online, but wanted to know more about who she is as a person, and what kind of challenges she has faced.
Badass Women of OCR: Andi Hardy
I first heard about Andi Hardy through an OCR podcast and her story hit a chordwith me. Often when people think of OCR they think that your age or ability can hold you back. In Andi’s case, that is totally wrong. Not only did she accomplish great things during her very first OCR races, but she has continued to make huge strides and show the world it isn’t about a number but about who you are as a person.
Badass Women of OCR: Laura Messner
As part of the Comeback Kids winning team on the Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge show, Laura Messner showed the world who she is and how far she has come. She has faced times of self-doubt in her past, but has risen from the ashes to prove that you need to love yourself and be true to who you are. In this world, we have too much negativity and self-loathing and Laura strives every day to be the best person she can be, and through this inspires others.
Badass Women of OCR: Amanda “Pinky” Neil
In the OCR world, there are some women that stand out more than just your usual face in the crowd. These women are known for their athletic skill, the “never give up attitude”, helping others, and just being an overall positive and gracious person. Doing my research for my article series, I learned that Amanda “Pinky” Neil is not just your typical girl in pink, she is much more. I was excited to learn a bit more about “Pinky” and her love for OCR. This lady loves the OCR community and what it has done for her, and wants to continue to do things that set her soul on fire.
Badass Women of OCR: Allison Tai
From surviving a road biking accident that left her with many broken bones, to nursing her children while on the course it seems like there is nothing that Allison can’t or won’t do. I have the honor of interviewing her for this piece, as everyone has their “layers”. Allison is a super nice person, but when it comes down to her coaching and training, she is not afraid to push you outside of your comfort zone.
Badass Women of OCR: Melissa “Sharkbait” Dugan
Melissa is in a few words a loud and proud woman in the OCR community. Many of us know her as Sharkbait but how many of us actually know her? It’s never easy as a newer writer in the OCR community to reach out to amazing athletes such as Melissa, but I was floored when I sent her a message on facebook and she agreed to let me interview her.
Badass Women of OCR: Stefanie Bishop
Stefanie Bishop is nothing but amazing. It is not an easy task by any means to win the World's Toughest Mudder event, but this lady did it with grace, honesty and a fire in her belly. I watched her race rather closely this year and saw nothing short of raw emotion when she got to take home the win. Through this interview, I learned more about Stefanie and her true spirit for OCR.
Badass Women of OCR: Margaret Schlachter
I can’t say enough good things about this truly amazing woman. From being one of the first women to conquer OCR, she has been the voice of strength for many of us looking to get into the sport. Often she has been referred to by Brett Stewart as “his little sister” when he speaks about her. I wanted you all to get a better sense of who Margaret is and how she continues to be a strong female voice in the OCR community.
