One year ago, Katie Zaferes started to believe the possibility of making it to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro was well within her grasp.
As a member of USA Triathlon, the Hampstead, Md., native and North Carroll High School graduate reached the podium six times in the ITU World Triathlon Series during the 2015 season. At the end of the season, which typically runs from March-September, Zaferes was ranked No. 5 in the world by the International Triathlon Union.
Now, the 27-year-old Zaferes will put her skills to the test on the world's biggest stage when she competes for the U.S. Olympic team Aug. 18-20. Zaferes, who earned the sixth and final spot on the team May 24 through a selection process, is widely considered to be one of the favorites to return home with a medal.
Zaferes spoke with PressBox about her athletic background in cross country and track, her rapid acceleration running triathlons and her goals for the Olympics.
