Pictured (2019 Award Recipients): Susan Yasuhara, Katie Horner, Triny Willerton, Michelle Bandur, Julie Marchese, and Libby Dykes

About the Women in Triathlon Awards

Women are rarely acknowledged for the monumental contributions they make to sport and to our lives. They are often taken for granted, working in the background without much recognition. The Outspoken Summit aims to change that by annually recognizing women in triathlon for their contributions to our sport.

In 2019, the first-ever Women in Triathlon Awards celebrated women in 6 categories. Awards were presented on in Tempe during the Outspoken Summit. The 2020 Women in Triathlon Awards were presented virtually. ( Watch the 2020 Awards Ceremony here.) In 2021, Women in Triathlon Awards will be hosted via Facebook – streamed for everyone in the triathlon community to attend virtually.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Coach of the Year

A triathlon coach who is changing lives, changing the game of coaching, contributing in outstanding ways to triathlon coaching, or women’s equity in the sport, or all of the above.

2019 Recipient: Katie Horner (Special Mentions: Susan Yasuhara & Yoli Casas)

2020 Recipient: Jacqueline Lake

Race Director of the Year

A Race Director (or Directors) who has gone out of her way to develop and create an inclusive race environment to attract a diverse group of athletes to her event. For 2020, a triathlon race director (or race directors) who demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

2019 Recipient: Julie Marchese of Tri for a Cure

2020 Recipients: Richelle Love & Rose Serpico for Wild Rose Triathlon

Athlete of the Year

A pro or age group triathlete who has used her platform to advocate for and make positive change in triathlon.

2019 Recipient: Colette Reimer

2020 Recipient: Sika Henry

Outstanding Media Contribution

Written work, a video, or podcast with the intended purpose to encourage positive change in triathlon, especially if the positive change is associated with raising the profile of women in the sport/addressing gender equity.

2019 Recipient: Stef Hanson of WITsup (Special Mention: Libby Dykes for @whysheisamazing)

2020 Recipient: Kelly O’Mara (Editor in Chief: Triathlete Magazine)

Bethany Rutledge Memorial Award

Bethany Rutledge was an active member of the Atlanta, GA triathlon community. She spent her life helping others and supporting triathletes to achieve their best selves. She believed helping people in small ways created potential for much bigger change. For this memorial award, please nominate a woman you believe embodies Bethany’s spirit and philosophy, and has affected many people in small, and meaningful ways. The 2019 Bethany Rutledge Memorial Award was presented by Bethany’s friend Kathryn Taylor.

2019 Recipient: Michelle Bandur

2020 Recipient: Lynn Mattix (Fund Her Tri)

Outspoken Woman of the Year

A woman who has advocated and broken down barriers for women in triathlon.

2019 Recipient: Triny Willerton

2020 Recipient: Khadijah (“Kelly”) Diggs

NEW IN 2020

Pandemic Community Service Award (2020 only)

A woman triathlete who has gone above and beyond to support others navigate these challenging times during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2020 Recipient: Lisa Kay Davis

Social Media Impact Award

A woman who has built and engaged an online social media community to advance women and gender equity in triathlon.

2020 Recipient: Colonel Yvonne Spencer (FastChix Triathlon)

Lifetime Achievement Award

A woman who has dedicated her life to encouraging sustainable and meaningful change in triathlon for women.

2020 Recipient: Rachel Joyce

NEW IN 2021

Triathlon Community Service Award

A woman triathlete who has gone above and beyond to support the triathlon community broadly.