Robyn Benincasa is an American adventure racer, firefighter, author, and motivational speaker. She was a member of Team Eco-Internet, which won the 2000 Eco-Challenge: The Expedition Race in Borneo.[1] She is also the founder of the Project Athena Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports people recovering from medical or traumatic setbacks through endurance-based events.[2]
Robyn Benincasa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Occupations | Adventure racer, firefighter, author, motivational speaker |
| Known for | Eco-Challenge winner; founder of Project Athena Foundation |
| Notable work | How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons From the Toughest Teams on Earth |
| Website | robynbenincasa |
Early life and education
editBenincasa competed in several sports while growing up, including gymnastics, diving, track, and cross-country running.[3] She attended Arizona State University, where she competed as a springboard diver.[3]
After college, Benincasa worked in pharmaceutical sales while training for endurance competitions, including Ironman triathlons.[3]
Firefighting career
editBenincasa later joined the San Diego Fire Department as a firefighter. Her firefighting career overlapped with her participation in endurance events and adventure racing.[4]
Athletic career
editAdventure racing
editBenincasa competed in expedition-length adventure races during the 1990s and 2000s. In 1995, she was part of an all-female team that completed the Raid Gauloises, an international adventure race involving disciplines such as trekking, mountain biking, paddling, and navigation.[5]
She later competed in the Eco-Challenge series. In 2000, Benincasa was part of Team Eco-Internet, which won the Eco-Challenge event held in Borneo.[1]
Triathlon and endurance events
editBefore becoming widely associated with adventure racing, Benincasa participated in long-distance triathlons, including Ironman competitions.[3]
Health and recovery
editIn 2007, Benincasa was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips and underwent hip resurfacing surgery.[4] Her recovery from surgery later became part of the background for her work with the Project Athena Foundation.[2]
Project Athena Foundation
editBenincasa founded the Project Athena Foundation in 2007.[4] The organization helps people who have experienced medical or traumatic setbacks prepare for and complete endurance challenges.[2]
CNN reported that the foundation supported participants through activities such as hiking, paddling, and other outdoor endurance events.[2] In 2014, CNN named Benincasa a CNN Hero for her work with the organization.[2]
Writing and speaking
editBenincasa is the author of How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons From the Toughest Teams on Earth, published in 2012.[6] The book draws on her experience in adventure racing and team-based endurance events.
She has also worked as a motivational speaker, with presentations focused on teamwork and leadership.[4]
Selected bibliography
edit- Benincasa, Robyn (2012). How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons From the Toughest Teams on Earth. Don Mills, Ontario: Harlequin Enterprises. ISBN 978-0-373-89255-6. OCLC 754389902.
References
edit- 1 2 Anderson, Kelli (November 12, 2001). "You Snooze, You Lose". Sports Illustrated. Vol. 95, no. 19. p. A6.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Clarke, Erika (April 21, 2015). "CNN Heroes: Helping women recover through athletic adventures". CNN. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 "Robyn Benincasa -- Firefighter & Adventure Racer". Hip Resurfacing Site. August 29, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 Windh, Jacqueline (December 2009). "Robyn Benincasa". Runner's World. Vol. 44, no. 12. p. 60.
- ↑ Lee, Janet (March 1995). "And what did you do on your vacation?". Women's Sports & Fitness. Vol. 17, no. 2. p. 28. ISSN 8750-653X.
- ↑ Benincasa, Robyn (2012). How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons From the Toughest Teams on Earth. Don Mills, Ontario: Harlequin Enterprises. ISBN 978-0-373-89255-6. OCLC 754389902.