Beth Price was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eleven years ago and decided to take up triathlon in order to achieve her dream of completing a race before the disease worsened. Having made the USA Paratriathlon team she took gold in Vancouver at the 2008 World Championships in the TRI-3 category and made the podium again in the 2009 World Championships in Gold Coast with a silver medal.

What made you decide to compete in triathlon?
After being diagnosed with MS eleven years ago, I knew I had a choice in how I wanted to live and be remembered.  I’d always wanted to participate in triathlon but never made the time.  Receiving this diagnosis made me realize I needed to pursue this dream while still able.

What is your typical training week?
During the week I train for each sport individually then add a brick session on Saturday.

Many triathletes use a training log. How meticulous are you in preparation for your training?
I’m not always as disciplined in this area as I need to be but try to record resting heart rate, duration and distance of the workout, plus average and maximal heart rates during training.

What adaptations have you had to make to accommodate your disability for triathlon?
With MS, heat sensitivity is a huge factor for me to deal with and I try to train in cooler conditions where possible.  I’ve tried to acclimatise to hot weather but it doesn’t seem to make a difference in how I perform.

What is the highlight of your involvement competing in triathlon so far?
Probably being World Champion in 2008, however every event I finish I consider a highlight because it represents my continued effort to fight MS!

What are your goals for the new season?
To be a member of the USA Paratriathlon team and represent Team USA in Hungary at the 2010 World Championships.

Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for individuals thinking about competing in paratriathlon?
The only way you will fail is if you never try! You may have to take an alternate route to pursue your dreams and goals but every finish is a victory!

If you have any additional question about ITU Paratriathlon please contact {encode=“thanos.nikopoulos@triathlon.org” title=“Thanos Nikopoulos”}