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The Roberta Song

Issaris sings inspirational tunes

On a trip to her native Texas years ago, Roberta O’Leary, then in her mid-20s, entered her first 10K race on a lark. It was at the urging of her cousin. No training whatsoever. As one would expect, she gave it her best. Only two women finished before her. It was her 1st medal. Bronze.

“My dad was so proud that he wore that medal for the next few days,” she sez with a smile.

Then it was back to Santa Barbara – home after putting herself through UCSB. With Bachelors Degree in Communications in-hand, she landed a marketing gig that best balanced her creative flair, a quest for detailed information along with her warm and exuberant personality. 

She started running and soon fell in love with Steve Issaris, an accomplished athlete, whom she met at Nite Moves through an UCSB alum. Together they enjoyed a healthy lifestyle, one that included beach days, hikes on the Ellwood Bluffs and bike rides. And when their daughters came along, it only got better – a family on the go-go-go…

Then, seven years ago, just after Steve’s successful Hawaii’s Ironman Competition, tragedy stuck after a near-perfect day of family time. When he left for a little afternoon surfing at Campus Point, the world changed. When this ever-punctual World-Class triathlete didn’t return home on time and with no call, Roberta knew something was very wrong:

“The doctors later told me he had a previously undiagnosed medical condition and all the training had actually prolonged his life.”

Devastated and with two little girls to care for on her own, she picked up the pieces. Fortunately, her loving family – including sister Caycee and husband, Sean live nearby – along with devoted friends from all walks of life, they all surrounded her with TLC.

“Roberta is incredible– a true inspiration to all” sez Dawn Schroeder, M4L Founder. “She is a vital part of who we are today…she has touched so many lives in positive ways…and is responsible for launching many of our athletes into M4L.”

Roberta starts early each day with spinning, yoga, core workouts or biking to Gibraltar. Then it’s off to work at GE Fanuc as an administrator, working in her daughters’ schools or helping in the community. With sooooo many things on her plate, she’s still always smiling, upbeat and willing to help others.

There have been more races and triathlons -- it’s the training and camaraderie she loves. Both daughters, Katie (age 13) and Lily (9) now have medals of their own from the SB Kids Triathlon. It’s in their genes. And for this year’s SB Sprint Triathlon – a family first – Roberta teams with Katie, one of the family’s two newest Junior Life Guard grads.

In sport. In life. In inspiration. Safe to say, Roberta’s got the Gold….

- Randy Weiss, August 2009

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