A successful track and basketball athlete in high school in White Salmon, Washington, Liz Downing (b. Nov 6, 1958) moved into the athletic arena at Lewis & Clark College while earning degrees in communications and business. Having suffered a little burnout from competitive running after high school, the team sports of basketball, softball and soccer filled her need for competition. She reached a plateau with team sports after college and made a decision to concentrate on herself and to return to running. From there, it was only a matter of time before she began competing in triathlons and then becoming one of the greatest duathletes (biking and running) of all time.

Downing is a four-time Female Duathlete of the Year as selected by Triathlete Magazine and the fastest ever multi-sport woman on a bike. In her only attempt, she set an American record in the 40K bicycling time trial. Downing is a two-time World Duathlon champion, five-time US National Duathlon champion, two-time US Duathlon Federation champion, three-time Coors Light Duathlon National champion, and a three-time Coors Light Grand Prix champion. Downing also is a 32-time winner of a Coors Light Duathlon Series even and a four-time All-American Triathlete. Her career duathlon record is 64 first place finishes and nine second places.