Sheila Taormina at the 2003 ITU World Championships

The 2012 ITU World Championships begin next week in Auckland, New Zealand, so we thought we’d take a look back at Sheila Taormina’s career as an elite triathlete. Sheila won the 2004 ITU World Championship in Madeira, Spain and in this video she talks about what it was like to race some of the now-famous women in triathlon.

Here are a few photos of Sheila racing on the ITU circuit, where she built a sporting career on the strength of her Olympic gold-winning swim speed.

: Photo courtesy International Triathlon Union

: Photo courtesy International Triathlon Union

: Photo courtesy International Triathlon Union

: Photo courtesy International Triathlon Union

In her book Swim Speed Secrets for Swimmers and Triathletes, 4-time Olympian, gold medalist, and triathlon world champion Sheila Taormina reveals the swim technique used by the world’s fastest swimmers. Find new speed in the water with Swim Speed Secrets, available now in bookstores, tri and swim shops, and online.