About Susan
Congratulations to Susan on your induction into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame! Very well deserved! Click here for the official announcement from USA Triathlon!
I developed my active life style as a young girl growing up in Paducah, Kentucky, where I took an early interest in cheerleading, swimming and acrobatics (gymnastics). These activities taught me a appreciation of physical activity and I now find emotional releases through physical expression.
While still in high school I enjoyed lifeguarding and taught swimming during the summer months. I continued to challenge myself in college, first as a circus performer at Florida Southern University, and then as a cheerleader, a member of Blue Marlins Synchronized Swimming Team and a performing gymnastics in Troupers at the University of Kentucky. These experiences taught me to perform deliberately and to the best of my ability under pressure, and also to experiment with new adventures. I still love the physical challenge and remain a cautious competitor in swimming and Triathlons.
In the past I have taught Physical Education in public, private schools and College. I am at present Head Coach of the Wildcat Masters Swim Team at the University of Kentucky and teach Water Aerobics at Transylvania University. This allows me to inspire others to move their bodies and thus be healthier, happier people! I am also the Lexington Triathlon Coach for the Kentucky Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. The participants on the Team raise money for the Society and I coach them to compete in a Triathlon! The money they raise goes for Cancer research at the University of Kentucky!
I feel that I have been blessed with the ability to achieve physically and want to share my talents and experiences with others. I have been competing in Masters Swimming and Triathlons since the 80’s..I have won 12 USAT National Championships .. have been on Team USA (Triathlon) since 1989. I have had the opportunity to travel all over the World representing the USA…winning the ITU World Championships in Triathlon (in my age division) 9 times and have been an All-American Triathlete since 1989. I competed in the 1986 Hawaii Ironman World Championships…this was one of the highlights of my Triathlon career.
Physical exercise makes me feel refreshed and positive, which results in a healthy release of tension. This for me is a personal accomplishment, one that has helped me grow and feel better about myself, but also one that I am happy to share with others!
