

The Oprah Phenomenon explores these relationships in detail. She has repeatedly made national headlines by engaging and informing her audience with respect to her personal relationships to race, gender, feminism, and New Age culture. Winfrey's ability to create a feeling of intimacy with her audience has long been cited as one of the foundations of her popularity. Contributors address praise from her many supporters and weigh criticisms from her detractors. The contributors to The Oprah Phenomenon examine the origins of her public image and its substantial influence on politics, entertainment, and popular opinion. The cultural and economic power wielded by Winfrey merits critical evaluation. No longer just a name, "Oprah" has become a brand representing the talk show host's unique style of self-actualizing individualism. The twins are also profiled in the May/June issue of Inside Triathlon magazine.Her image is iconic: Oprah Winfrey has built an empire on her ability to connect with and inspire her audience. This past Sunday, just days after O hit the newsstands, Laurel won the Miami South Beach Triathlon, her second win of 2010. Rebeccah is distinguished as a decorated triathlete with 17 victories to her credit and the motivating catalyst behind her twin sister’s racing career.

Laurel is highlighted as the first cancer survivor to compete professionally as a triathlete, alongside being named 2008 Pro Rookie of the Year by USA Triathlon.

Christian Witkin photographed the twins, not in their customary racesuits, but in stylish dresses from cutting edge designers. Rebeccah and Laurel Wassner are featured in the May 10th Anniversary issue of O, The Oprah Magazine as ‘Women on the Rise.’ The professional triathlete twins from New York open a fashion spread that features portraits of 10 women who are making a difference in various careers. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
