08. Taylor Knibb and Kyleigh Spearing on Embracing Adaptation for Balance as World-Class Triathletes, NCAA Runners, and Students at Cornell

How do they do it? This is a question that Taylor Knibb and Kyleigh Spearing, two of the top triathletes in the world get asked a lot, but one they often ask themselves as well. Even more admirable than the on-paper accolades, is the gratitude, humility, and wisdom in which the Cornell University seniors impart as they reflect on challenges faced, experiences had, and lessons learned. For Taylor and Kyleigh, success has been a matter of establishing strong support systems, incorporating fun, and rolling with the punches. In addition to triathlon, the dynamic duo were key leaders in taking their cross country team to the 2019 NCAA D1 National Championships after what was an extremely uncertain start to their season. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, their enlightened perspectives and open attitudes are guiding them through the abrupt end of their collegiate careers in the presence of an unpredictable future.

Background for the Non-Triathlete:

• USA Triathlon (USAT) has a developmental program for Youth Elite ages 13-15 (super-sprint distance: 375m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run) and Junior Elite ages 16-19 (sprint distance: 750m, 20km, 5km race). The program consists of a summer series including the Richmond Youth/Junior Elite Cup race in Virginia and the Flatland Youth/Junior Elite Cup race in Iowa. The series culminates with a national championship where the top 3 Juniors are selected to represent Team USA at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Grand Final for the Under 20 (U20) Junior division. As a bridge from U20 competition to Elite, Olympic level competition, there is the U23 category. The standard Olympic Distance triathlon is a 1500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run.
• For more information: https://www.teamusa.org/usa-triathlon/elite