Super-mum ready to impress
TRIATHLON KARINA Kaufmann will be fulfilling a life-long dream when she competes at the World Sprint Triathlon Championships in Rotterdam this weekend.
The mother-of-four, who is 36 and lives in East Finchley, is relishing the opportunity to represent Great Britain.
A keen skier in her youth, Kaufmann came close to qualifying for the British junior skiing team. She gained a PhD in Chemistry before settling down with her family. Tragedy struck after two consecutive miscarriages and, needing something to focus on, she did her first triathlon in 2011 while pregnant with twins. Kaufmann showed great pedigree and won her age category in only her third competition.
“I was in a low place,” said Kaufmann, “and needed a change of scenery. I’d always wanted to do a triathlon and after a friend did the Blenheim Tri I decided to give it a go. I’m glad I did as I rediscovered my love for sport and being outdoors. It helped me find a way to stay sane, with four lovely kids running around the house.”
Since then Kaufmann has managed to find time to compete in eight triathlons, of which she has five podium finishes. She qualified as a personal trainer two years ago and, having finished runner-up in her age group at the 2016 London Triathlon, she decided to try out for the GB team.
Cycling competitively for CC London, Kaufmann finished in second place at the London Triathlon earlier this year after riding from London to Paris in two-and-a-half days.
“My rekindled love of the sport has taken me from a very low point in my life to representing my country,” she said.
“It’s an honour and a privilege and I hope my story can inspire other women to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle.”
It’s an honour and privilege to represent my country