‘We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.’

This line by Randy Pausch is memorable for Kate Naess, who knows all too well that the cards dealt are not always fair.

It was the devastating and sudden passing of her mum, Vicki, that first inspired Kate to transition from Para-equestrian to Para-triathlon in 2014. An ambition born from personal loss, Vicki’s memory remains a driving force for Kate as she continues to build her reputation as one of the best Para-triathletes in the world.

Kate made her Paralympic debut in the women’s PT4 at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where she finished fifth in a field of 11 and just over a minute outside the podium. This achievement was particularly notable given Kate’s background in Para-equestrian, which saw her represent Australia on multiple occasions including the 2010 International Federation for Equestrian Sports World Equestrian …

Read More
Date of birth
13 August 1983
Sport
Para-triathlon
Past Paralympic Games

Rio 2016

Impairment
Physical Impairment – Right hand limb deficiency
How acquired
Congenital
Residence
Mount Martha, VIC
Occupation
Psychologist
Started competing
2014
First competed for Australia
2015
Sport career highlights

Winning a bronze medal at her first World Championships in 2015 and a gold medal at the 2015 International Triathlon Union World Para-triathlon Event in Yokohama, Japan

Heroes/role models

Her mum, Roger Federer

Favourite quote
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand - Randy Pausch

Disciplines

  • Sport: Para-triathlon Classification: PTS5

Social Media

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • twitter