Kate Chapman
Kate Chapman, at 19, has won the national Xterra triathlon twice and last month claimed her first world title, finishing eight minutes ahead of the next racer. The Australian-born triathlete has lived in Breckenridge since 2000 and is working toward a degree in environmental studies and writing at Western State College in Gunnison, where she competes on the cross country ski team.
What is your best training technique?
Cross training. I don’t really stick to just the three sports of the triathlon, even though that’s what initially attracted me to it. In the winter I do a lot of activities in the snow; I’m on the ski team here at school. I like to keep things fresh and different so you don’t get burned out and you don’t feel like it’s an obligation.
What is your worst injury?
Thankfully I’ve never really had too many significant injuries.
Most frightening moment?
I don’t really remember it. I’m a twin, and my brother and I were born 10 weeks early and we nearly didn’t survive. That’s more of my parents’ most frightening moment.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
I apply the same drive I have for school and get it done no matter. You need mental drive in Xterra, but it comes more into play for the longer adventure races, those over six hours.
Whom do you admire most?
For the last two years I’ve had a mentor, Danelle Ballengee. She’s from Summit County, and she has kind took me under her wing and given me some pointers. She embodies the spirit of multi-sport and does really well with her success, and she’s never too big to give me help and she even takes advice from me sometimes.
What music revs you up for a big contest?
I have a favorite band that runs well with what I do: U2.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Take rest days and take care of yourself. My parents have a lot of good advice, like seize each day and be happy with you have and being grateful for what God has given you.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
College has opened a lot of doors to me. I’m living on my own for the first time, and I’m learning how independent I can be and how you can rely on your own effort to get by. You can be independent but what makes life important in college is networking with other people in the same boat.
