Ritchie started racing in the mid‑1980s in Kelowna. She quickly showed she was a strong swimmer, and she worked hard to improve her biking and running skills.

In 1991 she won her first triathlon world championship in Australia. Two years later she captured the overall 1993 World Cup title and also earned two Canadian championship titles.

World Triathlon calls her a pioneer, a Canadian sporting icon, and a founder of modern women’s triathlon. The organization says she helped build the foundations of today’s women's races.

She was the first inductee to the Triathlon Canada Hall of Fame in 2000 and entered the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, marking her importance in Canadian sport history.

Ritchie often talks about pushing for equality in triathlon. She says showing that women could compete at the highest level helped open doors for future athletes.

Even after retiring, she stays active as a coach, volunteer, bike commuter and swimmer. Her ongoing involvement keeps her voice strong in the community.