Turia Pitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Turia Pitt
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Pitt in 2018
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| Born | 24 July 1987 Tahiti, French Polynesia
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of New South Wales (BEng) / (BSc) |
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| Known for | Surviving severe burns during an ultramarathon |
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Notable work
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Ambassador for ReSurge International |
| Partner(s) | Michael Hoskin |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Celestine Vaite (mother) |
Turia Pitt (born on July 24, 1987) is an amazing Australian athlete, a speaker who inspires people, and an author. She is known for her incredible strength and courage after surviving a serious accident.
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Turia's Journey and Achievements
The Ultramarathon Accident
In September 2011, Turia was running in a very long race called an ultramarathon. This race was 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) long and took place in the Kimberley area of Western Australia. During the race, she got caught in a big bush fire. She had nowhere safe to go as the fire quickly spread. Turia suffered severe burns to 65 percent of her body. It took several hours for medical help to arrive. She was flown out by helicopter, and doctors were not sure if she would survive.
Later, there was an investigation into the race. It showed that the people organizing the race, RacingThePlanet, had trouble communicating between different checkpoints. Turia later took legal action against RacingThePlanet, and they reached an agreement outside of court.
Inspiring Others
Turia has shared her story on Australian TV shows like 60 Minutes and Women's Weekly. She has become a very popular public speaker. In 2014, she gave an inspiring talk called Unmask your Potential at a TEDx event.
Turia has helped many people through her online programs. She has also raised a lot of money and awareness for good causes. She has written three books: Everything To Live For, Unmasked, and Happy (and Other Ridiculous Aspirations). In 2018, she spoke alongside famous speaker Anthony Robins at a big event in Brisbane.
Awards and Recognition
Turia has received many awards for her bravery and work. In 2014, she won the New South Wales Premier's Award for Woman of the Year. She was also a finalist for Young Australian of the Year. In 2016, she was a finalist for the Australian of the Year award. She was also a finalist for the Telstra Business Woman of the Year award in New South Wales. A story about her on the cover of The Australian Women's Weekly magazine got attention from all over the world.
Helping Others Through Interplast
Turia is an Ambassador for Interplast Australia & New Zealand (now called ReSurge International). This organization helps people who need reconstructive surgery. She has raised money for them by leading trekking adventures. She walked the Great Wall of China in 2014. She also hiked the Inca Trail in 2015 and the Kokoda Track in 2016. Because of her efforts, over $1 million has been raised to support Interplast's important work.
Turia continues to be a motivational speaker. She often speaks at conferences and events.
In 2022, Turia was a contestant on the TV show The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. She also started her own podcast called "Hard Work."
Medical Recovery
Before the ultramarathon, Turia was a healthy and fit athlete. Because of her injuries from the fire, doctors put her in a special sleep called a medically-induced coma for one month. Sadly, all the fingers on her right hand and two fingers on her left hand had to be removed.
She spent six months in the hospital and had over 200 operations. Her recovery took two years. During this time, she had to wear a special full-body compression suit and mask. She could only take it off for one hour each day. The mask helped to smooth out the scars on her face and body. She showed her face to the world for the first time on the 60 Minutes TV program.
Personal Life
Turia grew up in Ulladulla, a small town in New South Wales, Australia. She went to Ulladulla Public School and Ulladulla High School. When she was young, she was known for being good at sports and also did well in her studies. She later went to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). There, she earned degrees in Engineering (Mining) and Science in 2010.
Ironman Competitions
On May 8, 2016, Turia competed in her first Ironman Australia competition. An Ironman is a very tough race that includes swimming, biking, and running long distances. She finished the race in 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 42 seconds. On October 8, 2016, she completed the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. She finished that race in 14 hours, 37 minutes, and 30 seconds.
Family Life
Turia and her partner, Michael Hoskin, announced in July 2017 that they were going to have a baby boy. On December 7, 2017, their son, Hakavai Hoskin, was born.
On February 9, 2020, Turia shared on her Instagram page that she and Michael welcomed their second son, named Rahiti Hoskin.
Books by Turia Pitt
Turia Pitt has written three inspiring books:
- Everything To Live For (2013)
- Unmasked (2017)
- Happy (and Other Ridiculous Aspirations) (2022)
