Tanner started out her sporting career at the age of eleven in the Weetbix Triathlon, and had won national and secondary school titles in swimming, cycling, running and triathlon. By age fifteen, she received the honours award for her recognition in academics and sports, and was made deputy head prefect and school sports captain in her final year. Tanner eventually attended the
University of Auckland, where she completed her bachelor's degree in Sport Science and Recreation. Tanner's sister, Nikki Jean qualified for the women's backstroke swimming at the
1998 Commonwealth Games in
Kuala Lumpur. Despite her sudden and disappointing result, Tanner recaptured her success and triumph at the ITU World Triathlon Cup in the same year, as she clinched her major international title in
Ishigaki. Following her first triumph, Tanner continued to stand on the podiums at World Cup events, by obtaining the silver in
Hamburg, and three bronze medals at different locations across Europe and Asia. In addition to her five World Cup medals, Tanner had achieved nine more finishes in the top ten position. On 20 October 2012, Tanner announced her retirement in triathlon, following the women's event at the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final in Auckland. ==References==