'Iron women' of We Energies to compete in world championship triathlon

Mary Joy Hubbs surrounded by her fitness class students at We Energies.

For Mary Joy Hubbs, fitness is a way of life. She’s a longtime fitness instructor and teaches classes at our corporate headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. Outside the company gym, she’s an accomplished triathlete as well.

On Sept. 15, she’ll be competing with the world’s best at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.

“I want to embrace the moment because it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me,” said Hubbs, who had to qualify to compete in the ITU Age-Group Sprint World Championship where she’ll swim 750 meters in the Caribbean Sea, bike 20K, then run 5K.

Her impressive times at Milwaukee-area triathlons put her in contention for a top-10 finish in her 60-64 age group.

“I’m just ready to go,” said Hubbs. “I really feel ready!”

Chris Wodke competing
for Team USA in Oklahoma.

She’s not the only person from We Energies headed to Cozumel. Chris Wodke, a manager in our Power Generation unit, also is competing in a different event. The veteran marathoner will compete in the aquathlon, running 2.5K, swimming 1K, then running another 2.5K. She qualified at the Aquathlon National Championships in Oklahoma last year to earn her Team USA spot.

“This is my second World Championship race and my third time racing for Team USA,” said Wodke. “I am really proud to wear the US uniform, and it is so fun to talk to the other athletes.” 

As if the aquathlon isn’t enough, Wodke also decided to enter the open age-group sprint triathlon two days before her “official” race.

Good luck, iron women!