World Champion!

There is a definite step-by-step progression in athletic competition; each level being more difficult to achieve than the last. It takes a very special and talented athlete to make it to the top of their sport, and Amy Kloner is a great example.

Starting in multi-sport just a few years ago, Amy began having some success on the local level as a triathlon and duathlon age grouper. After witnessing her compete in a few races, Coach Matt Russ of The Sport Factory recognized she had a lot of untapped potential waiting to be developed. He approached Amy about coaching and she became The Sport Factory's first sponsored athlete. With some directed training, she began to develop quickly, winning several local duathlons. Amy won Powerman Alabama (amateur) in 2006, her first win at a major race and a big boost to her confidence. Amy is not just a great duathlete but a developing triathlete as well. Her first tri peak of 2006 was Baja 70.3 where she placed third in her age group.

Kicking off the 2007 season with another win at Powerman Alabama, Amy was on her way to one of the most impressive seasons in duathlon history. She started off the tri season with her first triathlon win at the Turtle Crawl Triathlon and then returned to Baja for the 70.3, this year placing 3^rd Overall amateur instead of 3^rd in her age group. Next came a win at the Indian Springs Triathlon and a 3^rd place finish at the Chattanooga Olympic Tri, placing 2^nd in the Southeast regional championship. These “B” events gave her more confidence as a triathlete and inspired her to devote more training volume to her swim. She racked up another win at the Georgia State Championship (Tugaloo).

A Short Course Duathlon National championship title in Mason, Ohio was enough to solidify Amy as a force to be reckoned with. She then went on to win the Long Course Championship placing first amateur and second overall amongst the pro field.. The final culmination of an amazing season was the World Champion title at Richmond.

“Winning this race was beyond my ability to comprehend or even hope for.” says Amy. “I was hoping for an age group podium spot, but even those kinds of goals are tricky because you just never know who will be out there, so I just tried to focus on my own performance goals. This strategy worked well, and kept me from getting discouraged after the first run when I was in 9th place-- I was happy with my pace, and I was racing within myself, and to the best of my ability. I stayed steady and focused. Having a 4-loop course allowed me to get more comfortable and aggressive with each loop. I ran my bike into transition, and much to my shock, Gail (Kattouf) was right there next to my rack putting her shoes on! I had no idea we were that close. I told her, "Let's go girl! One and two-- right now!" She beat me pretty bad on that first run, so I was pretty sure I'd be "the two" in that equation! Tim from USAT was going crazy and getting everyone fired up for such a close race coming out of transition- with the top two females being American. We all worked our tails off, and it was incredibly gratifying to share the podium with such talented women, especially Gail who I have tremendous respect for.” Amy was not only the first American amateur, she was the first American female to cross the finish line.

SF Athletes Angla Myer, Dan Arnette, Amy Kloner, and Jay Sinclair

So what is next after a World Champion title? “We are definitely considering going Elite in Duathlon next year,” says Coach Matt Russ, “however, triathlon may become our main focus in 08.” “Amy not only has the physical talent; she has the right attitude and mental skills to be a truly great athlete, she remains undeveloped.”

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