5 January 2008, 7.14 am
Posted in News Articles by Wayne
World Champ Ironwoman returns home
It took almost five years of tedious training and competition for Kate Rowe to attain World Champion status but the effort was all worth it. Kate made it home for New Years eve after three long months of top class competition in the northern hemisphere culminating in achieving first place in her age group in the World Half Ironman Championships in Florida last November.
This gutsy woman trains almost every day – combating any sort of weather condition “I can be up at 4am and out cycling from the city centre to Waterfall and back before most people are awake!” claimed Kate. “And then that evening could be a long swim at the pool or a track session at Sydney Athletic field doing repeat one K loops. Then I grab some food and hit the bed before doing similar sessions day after day in preparation of an event.” Sounds exhausting when you take into account that Kate is in the higher 50’s age bracket!!!! Plus Kate spends any spare time working for the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) coordinating two sports for the next Games in
Cologne in 2010 – her favourite events Triathlon and Cycling.
The overseas journey began with a sporting conference in October when Kate set time aside for the 25th Anniversary of the FGG and due to her significant voluntary support was elected as Vice President – Diversity. “This is the most senior position a woman has held from this part of the globe and I am honoured to be elected” stated Kate. “There is so much to do to attract gays and lesbians from
Asia,
Latin America and
Africa to the games. Plus I would love to see more and more dykes at the next games getting involved in sport. Team Sydney has some 23 sports in our own backyard for women to get involved in now – from Dancing to Hockey to Volleyball. And that can be repeated across the nation – in fact the globe if we really try hard!”
It’s funny speaking to Kate when she claimed her favourite event was by far the toughest!!!The Hawaii World Ironman Championships requires an amazing feat to complete the 3.8K swim, 180K cycle in the heat followed by a 42.2K marathon in the lava fields of the big island – all in one day! To enter this event Kate had to qualify here in
Australia so that meant tonnes of training so she could earn a place in Hawaii. Kate performed well in the Port Macquarie and Busselton WA Ironman events and the 2006 Hawaii Half Ironman. “To cross the finish line was a proud moment – carrying the Aussie flag and with so much cheering going on – all the pain swept from me and my legs carried me across the line. Then I had realised a dream and made it – what an experience!” Kate won 6th place in here age group in a time of 13hours 33minutes 53 seconds. A few days later a tired Kate discovered one of her toes was actually infected during the run ands would require lots of rest and medication before her next event.
Just four weeks later Kate was in Florida USA ready to compete in the shorter and faster Half Ironman World Championships. It must have been the determination and grit from
Hawaii that shone through for Kate. November 10 will remain in Kate’s memory forever – a first place in a World Championship – “Wow, what a feeling… the Aussie’s in the crowd cheered and cheered. But I didn’t know I was placing first – in fact I thought I was in about fourth or fifth spot. Can you imagine how I felt on checking the notice boards? The pain from competition was gone – I was on cloud nine and the smile on my face was so big. The blood, sweat and tears (and there were many tears) were all worth it! That trophy was so impressive and it was mine for a whole year!” Kate’s time was swim 43.28 mins, ride 2 hours 31.57 mins and run 1 hour 51.24 minutes. Kate has also won the right to defend her title next year and she bravely accepted the challenge. “Well it depends on my finances and training regime – the sport of triathlon is not cheap and the training never ends.” Most people wouldn’t know that Kate finances her sporting activities herself. “Any sponsors willing to contribute to a top level sporting dyke can line up and see me. I need any help I can get. Travelling to USA with an expensive bike reduces my savings drastically.”
On rolls December and Kate flies the short hop to
Jamaica in the warm
Caribbean waters. There is a change to Kate’s demanding training regime – she can relax and focus on just one sport – a run in the Reggae Jamaica Marathon. As a Sydney Frontrunner, Kate is versed in long distance running and is prepared. The 5.15am start was weird but Kate soon realised why. “The heat hits you early in the day so you need to start in the dark and be prepared for the heat from the sun and road surface later on. The steel drums and crowds cheering us on were so inspiring – I was having fun in a marathon! I felt good and just kept on going. My time of 4 hours 8 minutes was good and my feet held up the whole run. The announcer made me so happy when it was declared I had won my age group…. Another win! Something I had never dreamt of but after pinching myself I cried a bit but was so proud of my achievements!”
Kate could relax now – her major events were complete and now she was catching up with friends and family in
USA and UK. She also spent some time with members of Frontrunners in San Francisco,
San Diego, New York and Manchester. “Frontrunners has over 100 clubs around the world and it’s a great network when you are travelling. Sydney Frontrunners has over 80 members and welcomes runners and walkers of all levels.” Catch them on
