US Military Endurance Sports

Imelda Muller // Triathlon

Motto: “Embrace the opportunity for failure”

Navy Lieutenant Imelda Muller is an Undersea Physician and IRONMAN Champion (IRONMAN AZ 2018). She ended her 2019 racing season with a 9:52:41 PR at IRONMAN Florida, just 3 weeks after completing the 2019 IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.

Imelda started racing triathlons on the Northeastern University Triathlon Team in College. After suspending her triathlon training for medical school, Imelda realized how much she missed racing. “When I arrived in San Diego to start residency, I was uncertain how I would balance learning medicine, continuing leadership roles, and still being involved in my community. A nurse recommended USMES to me during one of my first 24-hour shifts.” Imelda started training again, and over the last few years has enjoyed becoming more competitive and reaching goals like qualifying for Kona and Boston. “On many occasions, I came home exhausted, but would hop on my bike excited to train because I knew that at my next race, I would be representing the military.” Imelda believes that triathlon enhances her professional and personal life:  “Whether I am discussing physical therapy with a patient, teaching nutrition to divers, or organizing wellness initiatives at my command, my experiences as a triathlete have added another layer of comradery, trust, and relationship building with my patients, co-workers, and community,” said Imelda.

For 2020 Imelda is focusing on the Boston Marathon, IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast, and the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships (contingent upon qualification). “I have moved three more times since I joined USMES and I have found that whenever I move, USMES is there with me,” said Imelda. “Despite a schedule that some view as hectic, I have been able to compete, build relationships with my teammates, and cheer others from afar all while moving back and forth four times in the last 18 months alone. There is almost always a USMES member or supporter at every event to cheer you on, swim you out to the coffee boat in Kona, or show you how to set up your transition bags.”