MANDY MARQUARDT



  • Breingsville, PA
  • Age: 22
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 16

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • 1st 500m TT Collegiate Track Nationals
  • 3rd Individual Pursuit Collegiate Track Nationals
  • 3rd Overall Omnium Collegiate Track Nationals
  • 1st Sunrise Classic Omnium (Circuit,TT,Criterium) 
  • 2nd Florida State Criterium Championships
  • 3rd Phillipsburgh Criterium
  • 3rd Pennsylvania State Criterium Championships
  • 4th- PA Track BAR Final Standings- PRO-AM Women

MEET MANDY MARQUARDT


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in November of 2007 – I was 16 years old.


How did you/your family feel about diabetes when you were first diagnosed?

I never saw it coming-very surprised. I wondered how I was ever going to be able to compete at a high level again. Thankfully my family, friends, and endocrinologists were very supportive, they guided me in the right direction. I soon came to realize that I’ve worked too hard to let everything go. I made a commitment to myself to continue to achieve despite diabetes.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

I now accept diabetes as a part of me. I also know if I want to be the best I need to count of my body to be there. Good diabetes management is a priority for me.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

It pretty much defines me. I love it, and I love what I do. It’s nice to go out and train by myself at times, to clear my mind and take everything in. I love taking on challenges, goals, the desire to win is in me. Cycling has taken me around the globe, I love training hard and seeing the results. It hard to imagine life without cycling and competition.


What drew you to Team Type 1?

I was struck by Team Type 1’s vision and drive toward high achievement. Their message, delivered through words and actions, that anything is possible despite diabetes. I appreciate the team’s support, amazing sponsors, and ability to be a role model to others. This is my second year with the team and I find it incredible that although diabetes might be a factor it doesn’t stop any of us on the team from doing what we love. We’re pretty much family!


Tell us about a personal achievement that was highly significant to you.

Proving myself wrong. I am happy to say that my initial feelings about what my life with diabetes would be like were just wrong. With good management, nutrition and self drive to ability to work toward my goal in the face of obstacles has put me right where I wanted to be - on the 2010 Collegiate Track Nationals podium for the 500m (.one of my favorite events) It was amazing to be on top again and put on that national championships jersey. I’ve worked so hard to get there, I ain’t stopping now!


If there is one piece of advice you could give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes– what would it be?

Only you are in control of your life. That was true before your diabetes and it is still true now. See it. Believe it. Achieve it. BE UNSTOPPABLE, But stay in “control!”


Do you have a favorite TT1 event to date?

Honestly, I don’t! I have enjoyed every part of it. I really like traveling, I’ve got to experience so much so far and meet so many people. It feels good to be doing something I love and making a difference while doing so.


In what way have you found that your diabetes has helped you in your life?

It definitely has made me more aware of my body, my nutrition, believe it or not managing my diabetes has made me more responsible and organized because it takes checking, correcting and proper rest to give 100% in school and training.


Are there any areas of your diabetes management that you are currently targeting to improve?

I am trying to better control high BG before exercise. It is a challenge because I already have my adrenaline going which many times impacts blood sugar. I want to intake appropriate amount of carbohydrates for a hard ride/race but want to avoid BG highs and lows. Can be a difficult balance to achieve.


Tell us about an athletic goal you have for the short term – say less than one year from now.

To podium at Collegiate Criterium Nationals, and podium at my first Elite Nationals in Carson, California at the end of September.


How about an athletic goal that you have for the long term?

To compete in World Cups by next year. From there…the Olympics.


Mandy, thanks for taking time out to talk with us.

Thank you, it’s been a pleasure.