After moving to Austin with her husband, Derick, in 2006, lifelong swimmer and Team J&A Triathlete Kelly Williamson began focusing on longer races. "I was a bit sick to my stomach moving to Texas from Colorado, but we became pleasantly surprised with this amazing town."
Kelly tackled her first marathon in 2008, second in 2009, and competed in Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2010. Her 3rd place time of 9 hours, 39 minutes scored her a spot at the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship in the quaint town of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where an impressing performance of 9:36 gave her the 15th spot among the pro women. Also during that year, she took the titles at two 70.3 distance races, Branson and Steelhead. Most recently, the always-smiling Williamson battled heat, hills and wind at the Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3 to take the 1st place slot barely a month after yet another impressive showing at Ironman Texas on May 21st. Apparently for Kelly, heat is her happiness and wind is her friend.
Kelly says she will continue to race for as long as she enjoys it. Her smile and endearing presence are seen at the shop frequently, as she and Derick visit and prepare for their next event. "The training is part of who I am, what I do and what I enjoy," she says. "The competition between myself and others is what drives me." There's no denying the fact that Kelly enjoys training. She smiles from ear to ear whenever she crosses a finish line, and her undying energy is always felt by those around her. Williamson continues to inspire others with her dedication to the sport of triathlon and her positive attitude in life, and offers this: "Appreciate the ability to get up each day and [train]. Let disappointments raise you up and make you stronger. We can thank our competitors who propel us to be better, but ultimately the challenge to be better is always within oneself. See you on the race course!
by: Mike Thompson of Jack & Adam's Bicycles
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