DistancePreps.com recently caught up with, Elite Triathlete, Kaitlin Shiver after dominating the field earlier this month at the HammerHead Olympic Triathlon. Kaitlin gave up her spot running for the University of Florida to concentrate on triathlon and has been one of the top ranked athletes in the country since making the transition.

When/ how did you decide to get into the sport of triathlon?

I did a triathlon with my mom when I was 13-14 for fun, and up until a couple years ago I would do one local sprint race a year just for fun because everyone in the area was doing it. The summer after my sophomore year at UF I wanted to do a couple local races around central Florida so borrowed a bike from a friend and really haven't stopped since. 

Was it tough telling your coach and teammates at UF that you were going to be focusing on something other than running?

I was at a point in my life where I needed a change. I missed swimming and was really enjoying biking, neither of which you can do when running at such a competitive program. Focusing on triathlons my last year instead of running was the right thing for me personally, most of my teammates were understanding and supportive.

You rose up the ranks of triathlon in a relatively short time, did you have help along the way.

Kaitlin Shiver- I had a tremendous amount of help! I started and continue to train with my (now) fiancé Ed who really helped me get into the sport and has been extremely supportive along the way. I also have a very supportive family, which makes everything easier. My coach, Jennifer Hutchison, who I was put into contact with through the USAT Collegiate Recruitment Program, has helped immensely with my transition from running to triathlon. I am very grateful to have all of these people in my life to help me!

Triathlon is an expensive sport have you had any difficulty securing sponsorship and do you have any advice for younger people trying to get into triathlons that might have trouble affording it?

Securing sponsorships can be difficult, but there are many people out there willing to help younger people get into the sport of triathlon. There are bike shops willing to loan out bikes for a season or sell that at mark down at the end of the season, and the bike aspect of triathlons is often the most expensive. Numerous USAT junior high performance teams are also right here in Florida that can help juniors looking to rise the ranks. Also, you don't have to travel to the other side of the country to find great races and competitors. Especially for young people getting into triathlons, I would recommend looking into high levels races available right here in Florida before you look anywhere else. This past year we had numerous races hosted here such at the Clermont Draft Legal Challenge, St. Anthony's, Miami International Triathlon just to name a few.

You mentioned you are still in school, being a world-class athlete, how do you balance your time?

I have gotten that question a lot from my peers during this first week of DPT school! I have been competing in sports for so long that I don't remember ever not balancing my schoolwork and training/traveling. It absolutely gets tougher as the schooling and/or training demands increase but it's all about time management. When I am studying, I know I have a set amount of time to get everything done and I think I am more productive. There are also days when I ride on my indoor trainer instead of outside so I can study. It's a balancing act!

You and another Florida native (Sean Jefferson) are both very recognizable names in triathlon, do you two interact at all when racing at the bigger events?

Absolutely! Sean is a great guy and an incredible athlete. We have traveled in the same group to international races, it's always nice to have someone from your area when you are traveling. 

You recently won the HammerHead Olympic Triathlon in Jacksonville, FL. What brings you back to this event year after year and how do you prepare for the heat? (I was in the race and had to shut it down during the run, heard the top guys were praying that they didn't get caught by you)

I did this race a few years ago for the first time and really thought it was a great event. It helped me jump-start my triathlon career by getting to know Drew from City Cycle in Jacksonville. Drew has been a huge help with all of my biking needs and I like to support the people that have supported me along the way. That race does always tend to be hot, but it's August in Florida. I think all I have to do is train outside to get used to the heat as much as possible and learn how to properly hydrate on the bike to prepare for the heat of the run. 

You recently won the collegiate national championships and you are leading the Elite Race Series by 5 points, what’s next?

I will be competing in the U23 World Championships in Beijing on September 10th, which I am very excited about!

Around Florida your family is known for running, are any of your siblings planning to take up the sport?

Who knows what the future holds! They both enjoy all aspects of triathlon but are focused on other aspects of their lives/athletics right now. I think sport in general will always be a part of their lives.

Is there any advice that you could give to the high school senior trying to follow their dreams in endurance sports?

I think you just said it - Just always follow your dreams. Don't let others dictate your future, if you don't like what you are doing, you need to make a change. Always do it for you and never give up!

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-Photos courtesy of JC and Joey Pinto.