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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| Education | 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 Interplast Australia & New Zealand |
| Partner(s) | Michael Hoskin |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Celestine Vaite (mother) |
Turia Pitt, born on July 24, 1987, is an amazing Australian athlete, speaker, and author. She is known for her incredible strength and positive attitude. Turia inspires many people around the world with her story of overcoming huge challenges.
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A Life-Changing Race
On September 2, 2011, Turia was running in a very long race called an ultramarathon. This race was 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) long and went through the Kimberley region in Western Australia. During the race, she got caught in a big bushfire.
The Bushfire Incident
Turia and other runners were trying to escape a fast-moving fire near Kununurra. She later said there was "nowhere else to go." Turia suffered severe burns to 65 percent of her body. It took several hours for medical help to reach her. Doctors were not sure if she would survive her injuries.
After the Accident
After the fire, an investigation looked into what happened. It found that the race organizers, RacingThePlanet, had problems communicating between different parts of the race. Turia later reached an agreement with RacingThePlanet outside of court.
Turia's Inspiring Journey
Turia Pitt has become a well-known public speaker. She shares her story and encourages others to be their best. She has appeared on TV shows like 60 Minutes and Women's Weekly.
Sharing Her Message
In September 2014, Turia gave an inspiring talk called Unmask your Potential at a TEDx event. She has also helped thousands of people through her online programs. Turia has raised a lot of money and awareness for different charities.
Books and Achievements
Turia 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.
Turia has received many awards for her courage 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.
Helping Others
Turia is an Ambassador for Interplast Australia & New Zealand. This organization helps people in other countries get life-changing surgery. She has raised over $1 million for them by leading challenging trekking adventures.
Amazing Treks
- In 2014, she walked the Great Wall of China.
- In 2015, she hiked the Inca Trail in Peru.
- In 2016, she completed the tough Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
Turia continues to be a popular motivational speaker at events and conferences. In 2022, Turia was a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. She also started her own podcast called "Hard Work."
Health and Recovery
Before the ultramarathon, Turia was a very healthy and fit athlete. Because of her injuries from the fire, she was put into a special sleep called a medically-induced coma for one month.
Long Road to Recovery
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 show.
Turia's Personal Life
Turia grew up in Ulladulla, a small town in New South Wales. She was known for being good at sports and also did well in school. She went to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and earned degrees in Engineering and Science in 2010.
Family and Athletics
On May 8, 2016, Turia competed in her first Ironman Australia competition. This is a very challenging race that includes swimming, biking, and running long distances. She finished in a great time of 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 42 seconds. On October 8, 2016, she completed the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Turia and her partner, Michael Hoskin, announced in July 2017 that they were expecting a baby boy. Their son, Hakavai Hoskin, was born on December 7, 2017. On February 9, 2020, Turia shared on Instagram that they welcomed their second son, 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)
