Upon the suggestion by her mother, Mary, Baker began running competitively at age 15 and showed ability right from the start.

Her siblings include Philippa Baker (New Zealand rower and 1991 & 1994 Halberg award winner) and Kathy and Maureen who were both national titlists in swimming and aerobics.

[3] In 1981 she was convicted of throwing explosive devices while protesting during the South African Rugby team tour of New Zealand.

The magazine commented on her success by saying, "We’ve stopped trying to figure Erin out, we just accept her as the best female triathlete that ever lived".

[1] In the 1993 New Year Honours, Baker was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services as a triathlete.