Dream, Believe, Tri

by Kim Dunker, Professional Triathlete and Coach

I have always been that girl in sports. At the young age of five I decided I was sick of traveling to swim meets to watch my big brothers compete and begged my parents to let me join the team. It was a great experience, and looking back I was grateful to have the opportunity to learn to swim and be comfortable in the water.

As I grew up I continued down the athletic path. I was involved in basketball, softball, and soccer, which all helped me develop the team experience and how to work with others to achieve a common goal.

In high school I took up running competitively and joined the cross country team as a senior. This is what helped pave my way through college. At this same time I developed into a triathlete, taking three disciplines I could do and racing in it as a whole.

After only three years of racing I got picked up by an elite triathlon team. I raced for Timex Multisport for three years. The races, the people and the experiences I developed became so valuable to me and have guided me to where I am now. In 2008, I had the opportunity to race professionally for Team Sport Beans/NTTC. What an incredible year! Not only did I really develop as an athlete, but I learned a lot about myself. At this time I also got to develop my own coaching business and, furthermore, to develop an Elite team for 2009.

“Life brings each of us obstacles, what we do with them is our choice and that is what shapes who we are.”

—Kim Dunker

To me, life is a journey. Like everyone I have been dealt a few tough situations. At the time I would feel like things were crumbling. I would feel sorry for myself and wonder why these things were happening to me. Then I’d realize that this wasn’t doing anything; I would turn the situation around and find the positive. At times it can be tough and perhaps lonely, but when I find the positive and make a change in my attitude, I grow so much more and realize I have more inner beauty than the ugly situation that was previously presented.

In this past year, I have also come to realize that the people who enter our lives enter for a reason. The relationships have all taught me something, and very often I have learned something about myself.

I am blessed to be where I am in life right now. I can’t believe at the age of 26 I have my own business and develop happiness with who I am. I admit I still have struggles, but I always revert back to the positive, what will make me stronger and better — not only physically for sport, but more importantly, mentally and spiritually.

In life I have also found it is important to follow what you are passionate about. Being a triathlon coach and a massage therapist has really guided me in my passion to help others. The reward in seeing others excel and gain confidence in triathlons makes my job as a coach a passion. Through massage I enjoy using the ability to focus on individual health and wellness to make the quality of life for an individual better.

KIM DUNKER is a professional triathlete, personal trainer and coach. Learn more about Kim at DreamBelieveTRI.com »