Q&A with Kate Bevilaqua
GU ATHLETE: Kate Bevilaqua
NICKNAME: KT, Beva
BIRTHDATE: August 4th, 1977
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Perth, Western Australia and Boise, Idaho
WEBSITE: www.katebevilaqua.com
SPORT: Triathlon
Proudest athletic accomplishment?
Finishing 2nd at Ironman New Zealand in 2008 after running side by side with Jo Lawn for more than 10km! Next time!!
Funny racing/training story?
It wasn't funny at the time but I laugh about it now! After only being in Boise, Idaho, for four days, I jumped on my bike at 6:30am in the middle of May and decided to ride to Idaho City. Being used to totally flat conditions and very little change in temperature during a ride, I thought I was set. Wrong! Within a couple of hours and some climbing, I was completely frozen. The temperature had dropped so drastically that I had no feeling in my hands or my fingers; I couldn't change gears and was struggling to use the breaks. I thought I would be okay but it got worse and worse. I eventually stopped and tried to ring anyone and everyone I knew, but I had no phone service! I was devastated. I don't know how, but I eventually made it back - lesson learned. I now own more layers, and I know I can take them off if I get too hot!
What's the most helpful thing a spectator has ever said to you while you were racing?
The most helpful things are words of encouragement. Even when they say, "Kate, you're looking fantastic, keep going!" and I know I feel terrible and am struggling to put one foot in front of the other, for a brief moment those words pick me up. Sometimes that is all the encouragement you may need!
What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
Dedication and determination.
If you could only do one of your three sports, would you choose swimming, biking or running?
Running! I hated running in high school but now it is my favorite of the three sports. I would love to do more of it, except swimming and cycling gets in the way!
If you were not a pro athlete, what would you do professionally?
I am a qualified Physical Education Teacher and have been working for the last eight years. I just recently resigned to pursue triathlon full time.
When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
Many things –a vet, a marine biologist, a Physical Education Teacher and a professional athlete.
Two out of four is not so bad!
Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves.
How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal?
Pizza, ice cream and some quality time with family and friends.
If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home?
A picture of my family.
What's the most creative way you've ever carried your GU?
Nothing unusual actually - down my top, in my hand or in a Fuel Belt. As long as I have it on me, that is all that matters!
Personal causes you're involved in?
Oxfam, a non-government organization working worldwide to fight poverty and injustice;
Free the Bears, a group whose goals are to protect, preserve and enrich the lives of bears.
Three things people don't know about you?
I come from Perth which is considered to be the most isolated city in the world! I have a weakness for a nice glass of red wine! I used to do a lot of dancing in high school and toured Europe as part of a traditional Croatian dance troupe! (No, I am not Croatian!)
