Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/235251
AThle T Teri lArson Jones PRofessioNAl bARefoot WAteR skieR, UW cHemistRY lectUReR A challenge is just part of the daily agenda for Teri Larson Jones, whether it's getting UW-Madison students excited about chemistry, or earning a spot on the U.S. Barefoot Ski Team. Jones spent her youth on Madison's lakes, but it wasn't until her early 30s that she had the chance to learn ski-less from professional coaches. "I knew barefoot was challenging and that made it even more appealing," she says. After recovering from a spinal disc injury in 2010, as well as several shoulder surgeries, Jones pushed through into the 2012 U.S. Nationals Open division, competing against athletes half her age and medaling many times over. She's earned a spot on the team headed to the World Championships in Australia this March in the senior division (for the 35-yearsplus crowd). In early 2014 she'll train full time—then show the world that this "senior" has still got it. –E.L. e & Ac in The g TivisT iT To T AMe: pro vi h iMpro e world & ng ving kids' heAlT kATie hensel h tRi 4 scHools foUNdeR Alarm bells sounded for Katie Hensel when reports of rising childhood obesity rates became more frequent, paralleled by cuts to physical education, sports and recess time in schools. Her corporate job was just that—a job—so in 2011 she left it to launch a nonprofit that could make a healthy difference. Now, as Tri 4 Schools' sole employee, Hensel relies on volunteers and sponsors to help organize four annual events. One hundred percent of race entry fees are donated to area schools for nutrition and fitness programs. The response has been unexpected. Over three years, 3,500 kids have participated in Tri 4 Schools events and have raised almost $80,000 for their mission. This spring Hensel's piloting another initiative, Exercise to Achievement. For eight weeks, kids at six Madison public schools will learn the benefits of exercise and train for a triathlon or mud run. Long may she run, for Madison kids' sakes. –E.L. JANUARY 2014 | bRAvAmAgAziNe.com 43