Kathy Rakel is beginning her third year of competing as a professionally licensed triathlete. She has a diverse background that includes basketball, golf, Arabic, and playing the flute.

Hard work and quick progress landed Kathy 5th overall at the 2008 Collegiate National Championship and the opportunity to turn pro. Kathy qualified for her pro card in May of 2009 but waited until 2010 to turn pro.

In 2010, Kathy began training under former, multiple-time World Champion Siri Lindley and became the first woman in the US Air Force to claim the overall women’s title at the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship. In 2011, Kathy continued to juggle triathlon training and racing with her Air Force job and competed mainly in events within driving distance of her home in Phoenix, AZ.

This year, Kathy will separate from the military to focus on triathlon full time. With a sincere passion for serving and representing her country, Kathy will do all that she can to compete as part of Team USA in the 2016 Olympics!

In Kathy’s own words; “Words do not adequately express how thankful I feel to partner with BH, particularly during a year when I have committed to focusing on the sport full time. Many great triathletes and cyclists ride BH bikes, and I couldn’t feel happier about this opportunity. I look forward to what lies ahead in 2012! My expectations for 2012 are realistic considering my winter training has still been balanced with my job as an intelligence analyst for F-16 fighter pilots. However, multiple benchmarks in training are indicating that 2012 will be my strongest year yet! I love to work hard, in a smart way, and have left no stone unturned in my preparation for the race season.”

2011 Highlights: top-American at the World Military Championship (July, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), 6 overall triathlon wins, 10 top-5 results, second consecutive victory at the US Armed Forces National Championship.

We’re excited to see what 2012 brings for Kathy and BH together.

Learn more about Kathy on her website.