Parker Albright

Congratulations to our Athlete of the Week – Parker Albright!

Coach Marc sent us this incredible nomination letter:

“I nominate Parker for Athlete of the Week. Not for winning her race, which she will continue to win many and may rarely be recognized as athlete of the week for doing so, but for sportsmanship and support of a teammate. Now, one may say, well in helping Megan, it still would never change her opportunity for first place, but actually you never know. Draft legal racing is never guaranteed; anything can happen.

But I do know this, Megan would not have placed 4th without this selfless act by Parker. She still would have done well, but not just off the podium. If Megan had been on her running game, possibly 3rd, podium.

Even if the example is not a major drama filled feel good story of sportsmanship, it’s still an awesome example of teamwork in a sport that is so individualistic.”

We had to opportunity to chat with Parker and ask her a few questions about her triathlon experiences.

1.  So first off, I heard about your selfless act in Seattle with helping Megan. Can you explain that a little bit more to me?

“Megan had trouble with her knee so we worked together in the front. She wanted to have a good run, she can usually run off the bike well even without drafting so I let Megan sit behind me on the bike so she she could rest her leg and have a good run.”

2. When did you first start participating in triathlons?

“When I was 10 years old.”

3. What made you decide to do triathlon?

“My dad has always done triathlons so I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

4. What are your goals for the next year as a triathlete?

“Stay focused. I want to keep moving forward as a triathlete, but continue to have fun and not get bored.”

5. What has been the biggest struggle you’ve faced as a triathlete?

“It’s always been really hard to fit in school work, see friends, and do my training. I prefer to have training early in the morning so then I can get it out of the way and fit in my school work and everything in the afternoon.”

6. If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

“I would travel. I really want to go to Australia or New Zealand.”

7. How do you maintain your mental strength?

“I try to not to get too worked up about the little things. I try and treat each race the same and maintain the same mindset.”