At only 17 years old, Caitlin Williams is already making waves in the triathlon community. A dedicated athlete with a strong foundation in swimming and running, Williams has quickly adapted to the world of triathlons, showcasing her athleticism and time management skills. She is open when it comes to sharing her journey, the challenges she faced, and her aspirations for the future.
Williams’ entry into triathlons wasn’t the traditional route. Unlike many who start young, she only discovered the sport in the summer before her sophomore year of high school. “I wasn’t really introduced to it by anyone. I decided it was something I wanted to do because of my history in swimming and running,” Williams explains.
With a background in these two disciplines, she felt confident in her abilities—but the bike leg of the race was an entirely different challenge. “I thought I could wing the bike, but I was wrong. It was very difficult at first,” she admits, adding that she’s since grown accustomed to the challenges of cycling.
Training for a triathlon is no easy feat, as Williams learned quickly. As a member of her school’s cross-country and swim teams and a club swimmer with Greater Monmouth, she already had a packed training schedule. However, Williams’ commitment to triathlons meant incorporating cycling into her routine. She trains with the Barracuda Tri Team based in New York, though travel and schoolwork often make it challenging to attend practices regularly. “The hardest part is definitely finding time for the bike training. Running and swimming are already demanding, and balancing schoolwork on top of that makes it tough to fit in cycling,” she says. Yet, despite the time constraints, Williams perseveres, knowing that improving her bike skills is crucial to her success.
So, what keeps Caitlin Williams going despite the grueling schedule and intense competition? For her, it is the sense of community and the camaraderie among triathletes. “It’s really motivating to pass someone who’s struggling or be passed by someone and hear them cheer you on. It’s a really supportive community, and I love being able to do the same for others,” she states. Additionally, the demands of triathlon training have helped her develop valuable time management skills, which have translated into better performance in sports and other aspects of her life, namely academics.
Regarding the race itself, Williams has a favorite discipline: swimming. “Swimming is my favorite because it’s the first leg of the race, and everyone tends to sprint at the start,” she says. Having grown up as a swimmer, she feels particularly at home in the water. “It’s the discipline I’m most comfortable with, and I love getting that initial burst of energy from the swim.”
Williams has already racked up an impressive list of achievements in just three years of competing in triathlons. She has qualified for nationals three times, an incredible feat for someone still relatively new to the sport. “Qualifying for nationals has been amazing. I’ve also had the chance to race in some draft-legal events, like the races in Richmond, which was an incredible experience. I got to compete with some of the fastest athletes in the world,” she shares.
While Williams is quick to acknowledge her hard work and determination, she credits much of her success to the support of others, particularly her parents and coach. “My parents have been incredibly supportive. They drove me to practices in New York, even though it wasn’t always convenient or easy. Triathlon is an expensive sport, and they’ve always helped me with that, too,” Williams says. She also has high praise for her coach, Jeff Boyer, who has been instrumental in her growth as an athlete. “When I first started, I had no experience on the bike. Coach Boyer taught me so much, and I’ve seen a huge difference in my times thanks to his guidance.”
As for what’s next in Caitlin Williams’ journey, she has her sights set on even bigger goals. “I definitely hope to compete at the collegiate level and qualify for the NCAA championships,” she says. “I also dream of one day qualifying for the World Triathlon Championships.” With her work ethic, talent, and determination, Williams is on the right path to achieving these aspirations.
Caitlin Williams’ triathlon journey is just beginning, but her accomplishments are a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport. As she balances the demands of training, school, and racing, she remains motivated by the community and the opportunities triathlons provide. With her sights set on even greater achievements in the future, Williams is undoubtedly an athlete to watch.