November 2017

PROFILE
READY. SET. TRI.
by Siedah Fortune
At a glance, Chloe Measel is a typical student.
She makes her way to elementary school at
7:30am, enjoys learning about math, and hangs
out with her friends. Chloe is more than just a
student though, she is a 9-year-old triathlete.
Chloe was introduced to the world of triathlons at 7 years old.
Although she was already involved in soccer and piano, her
interest in a new challenge was homegrown.
“My mom was running and my brother started running. When
he got into triathlons, I was going to [his] practices and thought
it was pretty cool so I started doing it.” Chloe said.
Now, Chloe looks forward to spending Tuesday, Thursday, and
Saturday afternoons at practice with her own team.
A member of the South Florida Lightning, Chloe competes for
the fastest overall course completion and timed transition in a
100 yard swim, three-mile bike ride, and half mile run.
“I like that I’m not just doing one sport all the
time, I’m doing three different sports in one.
Just doing one thing I kind of get bored with
it but I like that you’re changing what you’re
doing,” she said.
Although focus and dedication are inherent to the sport, Chloe’s
coaches are committed to cultivating a fun environment.
Practices for the Lightning Bug group (ages 7-10) primarily
emphasize competitive development. Throughout the season,
students learn basic skills and have the opportunity to race
often. Scavenger hunts, beach days, and road trips help boost
fitness and maintain morale.
Since Chloe has received a medal in all but two of her races,
and her age group isn’t required to qualify for future events,
practice and preparation are largely for self improvement.
“For [race day] breakfast, I have an almond butter sandwich with
a banana. And the night before, I’ll have pasta and spaghetti
sauce...My personal best is 7:03 for one mile and I want to get
under that.”
As most meets are local to the Broward/Palm Beach area, each
year the team looks forward to traveling to Meek and Mighty in
St. Petersburg, and Florida’s Regional race in Sebring.
This year, Chloe participated in her first out-of-state competition
at Nationals in Westchester Township, Ohio, where she was one
of the 30+ competitors in her age bracket.
“I always get butterflies before I start a race
but once I hit the water they go away… my
competition [from Regional’s] was behind me
and I just made sure she stayed behind me.
Once I saw the finish line I ran as hard as I
could and my teammates were cheering me
on,” Chloe said.
Receiving third place in Nationals was a major moment for
Chloe but she knows she’s got a long way to go. Setting her
sights high, Chloe’s excited for the day when she (just like
her role model Gwen Jorgensen) achieves Olympic gold in
the triathlon. P
During race season, the Lightning Bugs compete in two to
three meets per month. Although the Lightning can be awarded
a place based on the team’s overall performance, each team
member also has the potential to earn a spot on the podium.
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NOVEMBER 2017