An Ironman Champion with Cystic Fibrosis Discusses her Changing Relationship with Her Disease

Lisa Bentley spent 20 years competing as a professional athlete, although early in her career she kept secret that she suffered from the rare lung disease cystic fibrosis. Despite her medical condition, Bentley won 11 Ironman races and 11 half Ironman races, had several top five finishes at the Ironman World Championships, and represented Canada on multiple national teams and at the Pan American Games. We spoke to Bentley about her new book An Unlikely Champion, why she eventually went public about her condition, and why she considers having CF a gift.