“I’ve been doing sports for as long as I can remember. I started taking swimming lessons when I was around 6 months old, and since both of my parents are runners, being active was a pretty big part of my life. My dad is also a triathlete so when I was 8 years old we started training for triathlons. Soon after I started my training they put me in my first triathlon and that’s where it all began.

A triathlon consists of swimming, biking and running, three very different sports that test your endurance and consistency. I think there’s a common misconception people have that triathlons are all about endurance, which I think is untrue. It’s about pacing yourself, knowing when to push, and having the mental strength to keep going. For me, the motivation comes from self-improvement. Every time I reach a goal, I want to go beyond it in my next race. It’s that constant chase for progress that keeps me going.

Training for triathlons can be really intense. On a normal school day I would run in the morning and in the afternoon after school I’d swim or bike. On weekends I do a mini triathlon consisting of the three. Everyday I train for about 2-5 hours, depending on what kind of day it is. Balancing school and training is one of the most challenging parts of the process, but on hard days I try to tell myself that every session counts.

My most memorable moment so far has been qualifying for nationals. The moment I realized I’d placed third in the state and qualified I just had this revelation; all the early mornings, difficult sessions, and late workouts were all worth it. The feeling of qualifying and knowing that I had worked hard for it was something so special.

Even though triathlon running is mainly a solo sport, the triathlon community is also very supportive and encouraging. Everyone cheers each other on and it’s easier to form close friendships with people who endure the same obstacles. 

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone starting triathlon racing, I’d say to make sure you enjoy at least one of the three sports (swimming, biking, running) or you won’t enjoy it overall. And start small; don’t jump straight into an Ironman. I’d say to start with super sprints and go off from there.

I definitely plan to continue triathlon in college and later. I’ve been getting interest from schools like North Central College near Chicago, which have won national championships several times. I also hope to represent the US at the World Triathlon Championships in 2026. I generally just strive to continue competing within the state and national level for triathlons.

Overall, triathlon racing has taught me resilience, discipline, and how to push through challenges. It’s more than just a sport to me. It’s a lifestyle that I’ve built myself that constantly reminds me how far hard work and determination can take you.”