Griffith staff member Kate Grattan in full flight
A Griffith employee snared silver in the world championship triathlon titles in New Zealand last week.
The Student Services Administrative Officer, Kate Grattan (31), was just over a minute behind the winner in the 30 to 34 age category at the 2012 World ITU Age Group World Championships.
The gruelling race includes a 1500m swim followed by a 40km bike ride and a 10km run.
Kate can’t wait for her next triathlon.
“The drive is always to go faster and enjoy the challenge it presents. I love it!” said Kate.
Kate’s preparation for races includes 25 hours of training a week under the guidance of Coach Craig (Gus) Sweeney.
She swims and runs before arriving at Student Services reception to greet students and assist with their enquiries.
Kate’s triathlon career began by chance when two school mates dropped out of a team event the day before a junior triathlon event.
“I went home in tears” said Kate, “but my mum said, ‘Well why don’t you just do it on your own’ so I did.”
The triathlete also has a Bachelor of Tourism Business degree and would eventually love to create her own sporting event company when she has less involvement in sport as a competitor.
“That might not be until I’m 70”, Kate laughs. “I still feel like I have plenty of challenges to tackle as a competitive athlete.”
In the meantime Kate is pursuing sponsorship options to help finance the cost of competing in major triathlon events.
