what you may not know about charlotte…

Charlotte has an honours degree in economics from the University of Wales, Swansea.

Charlotte met her husband whilst working in McDonalds in a Canadian ski resort town.

Charlotte always eats McDonalds after a big race.

Charlotte is a dual Australian and British citizen. She was born and bred in West London, moving to Sydney, Australia in the late ‘90s.

Charlotte is a pretty handy defender in table-foosball.- Thanks to too many hours, pre-triathlon, spent in Canadian ski resort bars.

Charlotte was living in Sydney at the time of the Sydney Olympics, an amazing experience; one of the few events she paid to see was the triathlon- because a friend’s brother was representing GB. This was before C and K started tris or had any desire to do so.

Charlotte took part in her first triathlon at age 29 in 2002. It was a Kurnell Sprint race where she finished 13th in her age group. She spent a long time struggling with her wetsuit and went the wrong way on the run- a bit of a disaster- but she loved every minute and caught the bug!

When Charlotte went on her first group ride she was ridiculed for having reflectors on her bike- Kristian had tried to warn her.

As a child Charlotte always wanted to be in the Olympics, but her actions were not consistent with that dream!

When Charlotte was 29, she had an “ah-ha” moment and decided she needed to fulfill a lifetime ambition to run a marathon. After more than 20 Ironman races, she still hasn’t run a marathon solo.

Instead, Charlotte’s husband had to persuade her to take up triathlon with him- largely because Kristian had watched Welchy win Kona in ‘94.

Charlotte trained as a swimmer from a very early age up until she was 12. She then started running in high school. Triathlon wasn’t an option- or even heard of- so she decided to give up the swimming and concentrate on running.

Charlotte believes in the 10,000-hour rule, not in innate talent, as the key to success. An inspiring concept since it encourages you to put the work in since you will reap the rewards.
Charlotte believes there are no limits, other than those which are self-imposed, and encourages others to believe in themselves.

Charlotte now lives in the triathlon Mecca of Australia- the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It’s a fantastically encouraging and nurturing environment in which she can watch and learn from World Champs and Olympians.

Charlotte is coached by her husband, Kristian Manietta. Kristian has played a pivotal role in Charlotte’s success since day 1.

When Charlotte’s not training, she’s working with her husband in their businesses, Trigger Point Therapy Australia and TriSpecific.

Charlotte constantly asks herself the question “Am I living up to the best that is in me?”

Charlotte loves her life as a Professional Triathlete, the challenge of putting herself out there race after race, doing the things she fears, and stepping out of her comfort zone.

Ironman triathlon unequivocally changed her life, and the journey continues…

Dream Big and Work Hard.

Charlotte