Kat, you've only been at Bayside for a relatively short time. What lured you in?
Yes, I've been a member for just over a year, and it's probably 'who' rather than ‘what’.
Gitta had encouraged me to do a couple of sprint races the previous season, and we were keen to do more. From memory, we initially joined to get our AusTriathlon membership covered!
I never imagined I'd become so involved!
So what's kept you coming back?
The people! I've found everyone to be incredibly welcoming and inclusive. There's an option for everyone at every level who'd like to train, as well as plenty of social opportunities.
That's lovely to hear.
Let’s go back a bit. Were you always sporty growing up?
I was a springboard diver growing up and really wasn’t much chop at anything else. Certainly not running or cycling, and I could swim from the middle of the pool to the edge.
I was not what you’d call a naturally athletic kid!
Lol, from the middle of the pool to the edge. Look at you leading our swim lane now!
So after school and diving, what next?
I started taking flying trapeze classes when I finished Uni, and 20 years on I still love it!
I’ve also been a member of a boxing gym, done a couple of HYROX doubles races, and I love to ski, boulder and trail run.
I’ll give pretty much anything a go. I’ve got a bit of a rubber arm. Easy to twist!
We’re beginning to see a pattern here! Of all those adventures, what sporting achievement are you most proud of?
I ran a half marathon in 2024 and followed it up with a leg of the relay in Surf Coast Century.
I remember trying to run once years ago, getting a stitch and giving up pretty quickly, so this was a massive achievement for me.
And now you’re a triathlete! What distances have you tackled so far?
Only sprint so far, but there’s a whisper going around that might change this season.
Ha ha, yes. We've heard those whispers. Something about a T100?
Yep. Somehow I've been talked into the T100 in March 2027!
I'm sure there'll be a few shorter races along the way, but that's the big one. Ask me how I feel about it a little closer to the date!
I'm still planning on taking pom poms in case my 'competitor' entry changes to 'supporter'.
Not a chance, we're holding you to that start line, Kat! What are your longer-term sporting ambitions?
To keep pushing myself, see where it takes me and have fun along the way.
I don't have any lofty goals, but my love of an event and that rubber arm have a habit of taking me to some unexpected places!
And who are you racing against in the 40-44 age group? Any particular rivals?
Me, myself and I!
I'm still new to all this, and all I can try to do is improve on my previous efforts.
Unfortunately, sometimes my younger self is my rival, and she's always tough to beat!
Have you had any memorable race-day disasters?
Yep. I missed the podium by nine seconds because I was tying my shoelaces in a sprint race.
This was about a week after Sarah and Fi had led a fantastic transitions workshop and very strongly recommended elastic laces.
Lesson learned. Eventually.
Lol! Sarah and Fi, we hope you’re not reading this!
Have you had any triathlon-related accidents or injuries?
No. I’m only good at accidents whilst doing ridiculously straightforward things poorly.
I’m much more careful with the risky stuff.
Which is reassuring, given the flying trapeze! What’s your ultimate post-race indulgence?
Homemade bagels and a coffee.
Not very exciting, but I LOVE that a sprint tri is over and done in time for my morning coffee.
What has sport taught you?
Perseverance, and that you’re capable of much more than you think if you keep showing up and give things a go.
You sure are. Let's find out a bit more about Kat outside of sport. Have you always been a Bayside local?
Pretty much!
I grew up in Bayside, left home for Uni, moved to the US for 18 months, then came back to Bayside, about 3km from my childhood home.
Apparently, I like to keep things local!
And who's at home with you?
Hubby, our two boys and our beautiful pup Daisy.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not swimming, riding, running, Hyroxing or swinging through the air?
Hmm... what else is there?!?
I love hanging out with my boys, reading, baking, doing puzzles and playing board games.
And when you're travelling? Where have you been recently, and what's next?
My last holiday was a week skiing at Falls Creek.
Next is a couple of weeks in Byron, starting with the family and concluding with a three-day flying trapeze intensive with friends.
Of course it is! Now, we hear you have a rather unusual hidden talent?
Investigating ridiculous internet rabbit holes and sharing the knowledge with all and sundry.
Want to know absolutely anything about backyard ultras in excruciating detail?
I'm your girl.
We'll remember that when someone suggests a last-person-standing ultra! I’m surprised you haven’t had your arm twisted for one of those yet!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Get elastic laces?
Ba ha ha. We really should have seen that coming. 😂 Finally, what else should Baysiders know about you?
I'm an optometrist, and my practice is about 500m from the clubrooms.
So if you've run into branches along Beach Road, been poked in the eye during a swim, or just need someone to blame when you can't spot the finish line, you know where to find me!
Thanks for the interview Kat! We're not sure what's more impressive: the flying trapeze, your ever-expanding sporting adventures or your ability to be talked into just about anything. Now, about that T100… 😂
