72-year-old triathlete inspires others it’s never too late to set a new goal

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington resident Kitty Cole is proving that age is just a number.

She’s a triathlete who has competed in fitness events around the world, and she sat down with WWAY’s Jessica Keisling to speak about her journey and her message for others.

Cole said she participated in her first triathlon to celebrate turning 50.

She started as a marathon runner, but turned to swimming following an injury.

Cole said she didn’t participate in sports when she was younger.

She went to a small high school in Wisconsin that had no girl’s sports, and said the school wouldn’t let her run on the boy’s track team.

“Literally every race I’ve done since I was that young teenager has been a celebration of what I was told for the first time in my life that I couldn’t do as a girl,” Cole said.

So what’s the hardest part of staying motivated?

“Sometimes it’s just getting out of the door, and getting started,” Cole said. “I’ve always had a one mile rule, or a 30 minute rule. Go out the door and do something. You run that first mile and it’s like oh yeah, I feel great. I can keep doing this.”

Cole now has a new piece of hardware from her racing.

“I finished the New York City Marathon three weeks ago, and I had done Sydney in August so I’ve now completed all seven of the world marathon majors. I’m the only woman in North Carolina who’s done that,” Cole said.

She has a message for others who want to become more active.

“If somebody wants to get started whatever their age, it’s good to get checked out by a physician to make sure you don’t have any health issues,” Cole said. “Find your tribe, and get people to support you. Get advice. Talk to a coach.”

Cole is a coach with the Cape Fear Multisport Club and the Cape Fear Youth Triathlon Team.

“It’s never too late to set a new goal, and you’re never too old to set a new goal,” Cole said.