I have always been passionate about sports and about development. In 2001, I was fortunate to make the latter my career when I got a job working as a government advisor on international development policy and, later, when I managed water and sanitation projects in Nepal.

During these years I combined my development-related work with an amateur passion for endurance sports. I was getting the best of both worlds.

But in 2007 I left my job to become a full-time triathlete. I was excited about the future, yet lamenting the fact that my ability to actively engage in development had been put on hold -- or had it? To me, the single-minded pursuit of an athletic goal was an incredibly selfish endeavor. This realization hit me like a thunderbolt one day, and I was overcome with a sense of guilt and impotence. I remember saying to my then-coach, Brett Sutton,"Brett, I don't know how long I can do this. I feel so selfish, everything I do is for me and me alone. I can't make a difference in the world." And he replied quite simply, "Chrissie, just you wait. With your sporting achievements you will be able to effect more change than you ever thought possible."

Brett's prophetic words are now reality. I have the most amazing platform for change. I have an opportunity to combine those two great passions -- sport and development, a chance to raise awareness, to speak about things that I care about, to be a role model and an ambassador for organizations like GOTRIbal and to inspire others. The part I play is small, but I derive a huge amount of satisfaction and pleasure knowing that I can encourage others to test their limits and reach for the stars. My achievements have given me a chance to make a potentially selfish, self-absorbed existence unselfish.

But it is not a one-way street and what many don't realize is that I am inspired each and every day by people around me. The space is too tight for me to include them all, but I wanted to mention just a few of my guiding lights, who -- in one way or another -- selflessly devote their lives to others and in doing so have inspired me.

First of all, I want to thank my parents, for everything they have given me. They have given me opportunities to grow, to learn, to make mistakes and to explore. In short, they have nurtured and shaped me into the person and athlete I am. I am still growing and learning, but I hope I am making them proud.

Then there is the late Jon Blais, an American triathlete who contracted and fought the death sentence that is ALS (Lou Gherig's disease), defying all odds by finishing the 2005 World Ironman Championships and devoting his last days to establishing a War on ALS, so that others may live.

Jane Tomlinson, British woman, mother and athlete was an inspiration to all. She was diagnosed with incurable, advanced breast cancer in 2000, and was told she would only survive for six months. However, Jane fought through various treatment programs. Despite also developing chronic heart disease, she bravely completed three triathlons, one full Ironman, two half Ironmans, four marathons and three long-distance bike rides -- including the 3,000-mile Race Across America. Jane's efforts raised more than $3 million for numerous charities. She died in September 2007. Her legacy lives on through the charity she set up, Jane's Appeal.

Lastly, someone who has never been in the public eye, but this is one of the first people to teach me to follow my dreams, encourage me in the pursuit of excellence and give me the platform to channel my drive, determination and energy. He is Don Feltwell, the headmaster at the primary school I attended from the age of 4. A few decades have passed since I was a pupil there, yet I still carry wonderful memories of these childhood years and the lessons I learned under his tutelage. Mr. Feltwell passed away in January and I will train and race with his wisdom, support and encouragement in my mind and heart.

So while people around the world are e-mailing me to say thank you for inspiring them, this article is my opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to those who selflessly inspire and support me.

Mahalo.

Chrissie Wellington (www.chrissiewellington.org) is the three-time world Ironman champion (in three attempts). She holds the Ironman world record and Irondistance world record, and is undefeated in the Irondistance (140.6 miles) distance. She just set her second Ironman world record at Ironman South Africa, while racing the fastest marathon of the day, faster than all the pro men, after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112 miles.