Bethany Rutledge Memorial Award
I remember hearing about the passing of triathlete, coach and author Bethany Rutledge. Her family and friends said her death was sudden and unexpected. She died in her sleep Aug. 3, 2019 of an aneurysm. She was only 37 years old. I never met Bethany but many of my Facebook triathlete friends knew and loved her. My feed was full of tributes, stories and pictures of this beautiful woman. Here is a wonderful article about Bethany in Triathlete Magazine.
Bethany loved family, friends, dogs and the sport of triathlon. She wrote a book about helping beginners get started in the sport, Courage to Tri. She wanted others to experience the joy of triathlon, which is much more than a sport. I know how she feels. I always say, ”When you ask me about triathlon, I am recruiting you to join the fun and you don’t even realize it. Next thing you know, you’ll be signed up for a race.” Triathlon can change you in positive ways. It does give you courage in other parts of your life. The lessons we learn in triathlon transcends into our everyday lives. How do you face a challenge? How do you react when things don’t go your way? Do you encourage others to be successful? Triathlon has helped this disorganized person become more organized! Never thought that would be possible.
Bethany and I had a lot in common. We both love triathlon, studied journalism, love to write, ABSOLUTELY LOVE DOGS and enjoy encouraging others to try something they haven’t done before.
When I found out I was nominated for the Bethany Rutledge Memorial Award through the Outspoken Women in Triathlon, I was honored.
This is the award’s description: Bethany Rutledge was an active member of the Atlanta, GA triathlon community. She spent her life helping others and supporting triathletes to achieve their best selves. She believed helping people in small ways created potential for much bigger change. For this memorial award, please nominate a woman you believe embodies Bethany’s spirit and philosophy, and has affected many people in small, and meaningful ways.
Apparently, some friends who thought this describes me, nominated for the award. I was nominated with more than a dozen other deserving and inspiring women, including women who knew Bethany personally and were in the Atlanta Tri Club together.
I traveled to Phoenix in November 2019 for the Outspoken Women in Triathlon Summit. Amazing friends also nominated me for Coach of the Year and Athlete of the Year. I was touched beyond belief. (See my blog about the Summit itself)
When Bethany’s friend, Kathyrn Taylor spoke about Bethany at the awards ceremony, she revealed Bethany’s parents and husband chose the winner. They said when they read the Triathlete Magazine article, one of my quotes spoke to them and captured the spirt of Bethany.
“My hope is that now that they’ve crossed that first finish line, they’ll have the confidence to overcome and master any fear and handle all challenges thrown their way.”
I am so blessed to have the spirit of Bethany with me as the Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon club continues to grow. Bethany’s legacy can live on through these young, brave girls as they build self-confidence, help others and cross finish lines.
Thank you Bethany for caring about the sport and encouraging women and others to get out of their comfort zone and accomplish goals they never dreamed possible.
Watch the award ceremony in Phoenix
Another great article about Bethany from USA Triathlon
