Q&A with Olympic Triathlete Kirsten Kasper

As the Olympic Games approach and as NYAC athletes are selected to compete in Paris, we will be speaking with them to gain insight into their journey to the Games, into their preparations and into their aspirations once competition begins in the cauldron of Olympic competition. Here we speak with first-time Olympian, triathlete Kirsten Kasper. 

You came into triathlon as a star NCAA Division I runner, but now, swimming is your strongest discipline. How did that transpire? Which discipline – swimming, biking, or running – do you currently enjoy the most and why?

I started swimming competitively when I was 5 years old. I got into the sport because my older sister, Jenelle, was already competing and I wanted to be just like her! I continued to swim throughout high school and won a few state titles in MA in the 50 and 100 freestyle. I was fortunate to be recruited to swim and run in college, but I decided to explore my love for running and see how far that could take me.

When I was at Georgetown University running, I took 5 years out of the pool and focused solely on running. When I decided to pursue triathlon getting back in the pool I felt refreshed and excited to see what kind of swimmer I could be again. I had several running injuries over the years so my focus on the pool is why I think swimming is one of my strongest disciplines. I still enjoy running the best of the three sports and I believe it’s the area I still have room for growth and can be even more competitive with time and consistent training.

What first attracted you to the triathlon?

I had a love for swimming and running so it felt like a natural transition to give triathlon a try. I was recruited by USAT to the Collegiate Recruitment Program after I completed my NCAA eligibility at Georgetown University. It was a fully funded program that supported athletes who had athletic success in 2 of the 3 disciplines. USAT’s faith in my ability as an athlete excited me and gave me the confidence to give Triathlon a try.

How does it feel to be selected for Paris 2024 after missing the team in both 2016 and 2020? 

Being selected for the Paris Olympic Team is amazing and a dream come true. To be so close in 2016 and 2020, I knew I was capable of making an Olympic Team. I never gave up on myself and I never stopped believing my dream could come true if I continued to put in the time and hard work.

Are you different as a competitor now, compared to 2016 and 2020/2021, and if so, how? 

I would say I am a stronger competitor now compared to 2016 and 2020 because of my experiences. Going through multiple injuries that could have been career ending has taught me how to persevere and what I need as a triathlete to be back at the top of my game. I developed as an athlete and have a much stronger mental and physical toolbox to help me excel at the highest level.

What is the most memorable race of your triathlon career so far and why? 

I would have to say Yokohama WTCS 2024 has been my most memorable race in my triathlon career because I think it was the race and result that earned me a spot on the Olympic Team. I was aggressive and raced at the front across all 3 disciplines. It was to some people a result that was unexpected, but to me and my team we knew this was a result that had been a long time coming and 100% possible.

Have you focused more on one discipline over another during your Paris preparations?

I have been able to put more focus and time in on my run this winter. I had to take 3 months off the bike to rehab my back injury and this allowed me to carry more run volume and load in the legs. I think my results this spring have shown I have made improvements on my run and has been a key to making the Paris Olympic Team.

Your husband is a Tokyo 2020 Olympic triathlete. How has he helped you in your preparations for Paris 2024? 

My husband, Matt Sharpe, has dedicated the last 3 years to helping me train and prepare for Paris. After Tokyo, he told me that he was all in on helping me achieve my Olympic dreams. Matt has been my main training partner in this Olympic cycle and has helped support me in my nutrition and recovery needs as well. Making this Olympic team was a true Team/family effort. I couldn’t have done it without him.

What have you enjoyed the most about the months preceding the Olympics, and what has been the most difficult? What has been the most unexpected? 

I have really embraced the challenge and process of making this Olympic Team. I have been excited to line up this spring because I truly believed in myself. One of the more difficult things leading up to this Olympics has been the fear of injury. It has been a big challenge mentally trusting my body again after several years of injury, but the key to overcoming this has been allowing others to help me. I have had help from my coach, sport psych, strength coach and an amazing medical team who have shown me how resilient and strong I can be.

What are your plans, athletic or otherwise, after the Games?

I plan to continue racing on the World Triathlon circuit and give longer distance racing a go such as the 70.3 distance. Matt and I also would like to start a family so I see that being in our future.

The entire US Olympic team – men and women – is made up of NYAC members. Paralympian triathlete, Grace Norman, is now also an NYAC member. How has the NYAC assisted you in your journey towards the Olympic Games?

NYAC has been a key part of my team for several years now. The financial help has allowed me to be a full time athlete and has even given me financial security when I wasn’t able to compete and line up to make money due to injury. The unwavering support of the club has been instrumental in my ability to compete at the highest level and make an Olympic Team.