Starting at the age of eight, sophomore Lilly Brophy has spent half of her life doing triathlons. While triathlon season is in session, she continues traveling, schooling and constant practices. Even though it is not an easy feat, competing in triathlons is something Brophy will always love.
“My favorite part is the atmosphere,” Brophy said. “It can be hard at times, but my team and family encourage me through the whole thing and I’m thankful for that.”
One aspect of her competitive lifestyle is travel. She has completed many races in the midwest but has raced in Arizona, Florida, Virginia and Washington. She is going to Bermuda for the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in 2021. Through her efforts, she will be the youngest person representing Team USA. Not only does she travel for meets, but she also travels for practices. As an individual, she mainly practices in Elkhorn for swimming and biking, but she goes to Des Moines every weekend for practices with the whole team. Because of the weekly trip to Des Moine, Brophy’s family has a house there. While competition season is while school is in session, Brophy has to balance her school work and triathlons.

According to a study done by USA News in 2011, the way a student-athlete has the ability to memorize, repeat and learn in their sports also translates into the classroom. For Brophy, it is really easy for her to manage triathlons and school work.
“The only challenging part about competing while in school is missing school to drive to my races,” Brophy said, “I am pretty good at managing school and practicing for triathlons. I actually think that not being at school as much motivates me to do better.”
Even though she has a triathlon team of her own, she also participates in the cross country and swim teams. It is especially hard during the cross country season because right after practice she heads straight to swim practice with her triathlon team. Running can be quite challenging to do for school and for her team, but she loves it just the same.
“My favorite and best event is running,” Brophy said. “I struggle with swimming the most just because it is very aggressive and I am not the strongest of a swimmer.”
Competing in triathlons for eight years has had its struggles but it also helped her travel throughout the United States and create a bond with her teammates. Even though it is not an easy feat, triathlons are something Brophy will always love.
“My favorite part is the atmosphere,” Brophy said. “It can be hard at times, but my team and family encourage me through the whole thing and I’m thankful for that.”