Track Sprinter
DOB 07-08-1991
AGE OF DIAGNOSIS 16
YEARS WITH TEAM 12
One of my biggest goals is to represent my country at the Olympic Games.
Not only would it be the pinnacle of my athlete career, but also an incredible platform
to inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes.
PROFILE
“I have always found the bike to be my happy place. It has allowed me to shine as a professional athlete. It has given me the opportunity to represent my country and pursue my Olympic aspirations. As well, it has given me an outlet to eclipse expectations as a person living with type 1 diabetes. It has ignited a passion for me to share thisjoy and inspire others to give it their best and pursue their dreams.”
Mandy learned to love riding a bicycle at the age of 10 at the Brian Piccolo Velodrome near her home in south Florida. A little less than a year later, Mandy won three medals in cycling, including two gold medals (criterium and time trial) at the 2003 U.S. Junior Women’s 10-12 Road National Championships. Early in high school she moved back to Germany to live with her father, continuing to compete in many endurance road and track cycling events. It was during this time she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
After completing her senior year of high school in Florida, she balanced studies and cycling at Penn State Lehigh Valley. It was during college in 2012, at age 21, that she moved her cycling focus to the track and sprint disciplines.
Mandy resides in Allentown, PA and is currently a full-time professional cyclist for Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. As part of the USA Cycling National Team, she has raced internationally at the Pan-American Championships, UCI World Cups, and UCI World Championships. A 22-time U.S. National Champion, Mandy currently holds three U.S National Records in the Women’s Standing 500m TT, 1km TT and
the Team Sprint.
Mandy graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2014, and is currently pursuing her MBA with Penn State Smeal College of Business.
She is an active ambassador for many organizations, including TrueSport, The Taylor Hooton
Foundation, and the St. Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania . Mandy is passionate about being a role model for children worldwide as well as for everyone affected by diabetes.
BEST PERFORMANCES
2021
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, 500m Time Trial
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, Sprint
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, Keirin
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, Team Sprint
- 6 x UCI Track Wins (Sprint and Keirin)
2020
- US National Kilo Record
- 6th – Sprints – UCI Track World Cup – Milton, Canada
- Named to Olympic Games Long Team, USA Cycling
2019
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, 500m Time Trial
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, Sprint
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, Keirin
- 3rd – Pan American Championships, Sprint
- 4th – Sprints at World Cup, in Minsk, Belarus
- World Championships, Team USA member
2018
- 2nd – Pan American Championships, Team Sprint
- World Championships, Team USA member
2017
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, 500m Time Trial
- 1st – U.S. National Championships, Team Sprint
- 2nd – U.S. National Championships, Sprint
- 2nd – U.S. National Championships, Keirin
- 1st – Pan American Championships, Team Sprint
- 2nd – Pan American Championships, Keirin
- 3rd – Pan American Championships, 500m Time Trial
Diabetes Q&A
Tell us about when you were diagnosed and how you found out?
I went in for metabolic-lactate threshold testing and blood work. Shortly after, they told me my blood sugars were high and I went straight to the hospital where I was diagnosed.
What was your initial reaction?
At first, I was shocked and in denial. I didn’t know much about diabetes, so I was really confused on how I was going to manage it and continue to race my bike.
How did your family/friends/fellow athletes react?
Since I was very active, they were surprised, but they were eager to learn more about type 1 diabetes; and they were very supportive.
Did you think your days as an athlete were over? Did others? What did your health care professionals say?
At the hospital, the doctor said I was likely never going to be able to compete at a high level again. But after I learned more about diabetes management, I was determined to prove that I could and take control of my lifestyle. I love cycling, and it’s a big part of my life. I could never let anything take that away from me.
What was it like riding with diabetes and how did you adjust?
It was a difficult adjustment, but I worked closely with my diabetes educator, monitoring my blood sugars and learning how different types of foods affected my blood glucose levels. It was all trial and error, but after some time, I learned what worked best for me.
Sports Q&A
Tell us about how you got started in your sport.
My dad was an active cyclist. I was into running and swimming and was interested in doing triathlons, so my parents took me to the Brian Piccolo Velodrome in Fort Lauderdale, FL. That’s where I first learned how to ride a track bike.
When did you start competing?
At the age of 10.
What do you think is your biggest achievement in your athletic career?
Winning four national championships (road and track), winning five Florida State Track Champions, and?two Collegiate National Championships.
What is your favorite memory from a race/competition?
I have a lot, but it’s always great to exceed my own expectations, learn and improve on various skills.
Being part of Team Novo Nordisk
How did you come to join Team Novo Nordisk?
A rider on the team put me in touch with the team director.
How has your life changed since you joined the team (both as an athlete and as a person)?
It’s helped me to realize that if I want to race and train at my best, I need to manage my diabetes. Racing alongside other athletes with diabetes has given me a positive outlook about what it means to be living and racing with diabetes.