About Kathy
- Name: Kathy “KatchA” Rakel
- Occupation: Professional Triathlete
- Coach: Siri Lindley, www.siri-lindley.com
- Hometown: San Antonio, TX
"Don’t ask God to guide your footsteps if you’re not willing to move your feet."
Kathy’s first assignment in the Air Force was as a graduate student at Tucson’s University of Arizona and Middlebury College in Vermont where she earned a M. A. in Near Eastern Studies with an Arabic language emphasis (which she continues to study for fun). During this time, her interest in triathlon grew. Hard work landed Kathy 5th overall at the 2008 Collegiate National Championship and the opportunity to turn pro. With more Arabic and Air Force training ahead of her, she decided to pass on the opportunity. Again, Kathy qualified for her pro card in May of 2009 but waited until 2010 to get her professional triathlon license.
Kathy had many interests growing up but spent most of her time playing golf, basketball, or the flute (which she continues to play). As a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, Kathy undertook a wide variety of physical challenges. During her senior year, she unexpectedly set the record for the fastest female cadet Ironman finishing time by completing the April 2007 Ironman Arizona in 11:46:42.
Although too slow and inexperienced to make the Air Force Triathlon Team in 2007, Kathy’s persistence paid off 3 years later when she became the first woman in the Air Force to claim the overall women’s title at the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship, an accomplishment she repeated in 2011. Kathy has always delicately balanced triathlon training with her job in the Air Force. Now, Kathy will follow God’s calling in her heart and will train as a full time professional triathlete. Kathy’s track record already proves that she is willing to move her feet, and soon we’ll see if the ground can keep up!
