Kacey's trade-in helps get big win
TRADING in her boyfriend's bike so she could get enough money to get started in triathlons was not such a bad idea after all, Caloundra's Kacey Willoughby has found.
The 29-year-old has been announced as the inaugural winner of the Witsup.com female triathlete scholarship worth $20,000.
Witsup.com is a movement about engaging, inspiring and motivating more women to get into triathlons.
"I am honoured to be given the opportunity to work with amazing sponsors, athletes and witsup.com," she said.
"A huge thankyou to my friends and family for all your support leading up to, during and after races."
The Unity College PE teacher was inspired to try out for her first triathlon at Bribie Island back in 2008.
She took her boyfriend's bike to get serviced for the 20km cycle, but ended up trading it in for a new one for herself.
"He wasn't too impressed," she joked yesterday
Ms Willoughby said she would use her chance as a Witsup.com ambassador to encourage women to give triathlons a go.
The scholarship's judges, including triathlete and London Olympian Emma Jackson, praised Ms Willoughby as a great role model.
"She wants to be an inspiration for women to get out there and train, juggle their jobs and everyday challenges," Ms Jackson said.
"She seems to love being challenged and is passionate about triathlon and helping others."
Another judge, Ironman-distance triathlon champion Belinda Granger, said Ms Willoughby had plenty of potential in the sport.
KACEY'S BEST
2010
Mooloolaba Triathlon - 2hrs 32min 24sec
Noosa Triathlon - 2:30:01
Yeppoon 70.3 - 5:24:43
2011
Hell of the West - 4:51:11, fourth place
Mooloolaba Triathlon - 2:27:13, 13th
Port Macquarie Ironman - 11:11:59, 10th
Yeppoon 70.3 - 5:11:43, six
Port Macquarie 70.3 - 5:14:23, eighth
2012
Mooloolaba Triathlon - 2:20:12, sixth
Port Macquarie Ironman - 10:22:07, second in age group, 10th overall
