Bethel Park youth already a pro at triathlons
Brock Kitterman, 12, mounts his bike and takes off for a training ride. The Bethel Park youth has participated in 42 triathlons and plans to continue competing despite being vision and hearing impaired.
Brock Kitterman
With 42 triathlons under his belt, Brock Kitterman appears to be a pro.
The Bethel Park youth is dressed in a fluorescent lime green tech shirt and black running shorts that double as cycling pants. His left wrist is adorned with the latest timing gadget and dark wrap-around sunglasses shield his eyes.
The fancy shades and attire as well as the number of competition amount for little as Kitterman prepared for this summer’s series of events, which includes the Habitat For Humanity Youth Triathlon set for 8 a.m. July 15 at the South Park Wave Pool.
“Experience means nothing,” Brock said. “You have to train.”
Train, Kitterman does. Five days a week.
Every day, he runs for an hour, bikes for an hour and tries to swim for an hour. He trains with the Sting Rays from the Hunting Ridge Swim Club, and he works out with Team Triumph on Mondays or Wednesday, focusing on running and riding. With Saturdays reserved for competitions, Kitterman typically takes Sunday off from training.
“It’s never ending,” said Brock’s mom, Tammy.
But Brock loves it, especially since he joined Team Triumph. Formed this year by mothers, who have seen each other at various races, Team Triumph is a kids triathlon club for the South Hills.
“I like being part of a team,” Brock said. “Concentrating on training for triathlons,” he added.
Being part of a team has been limited for Brock.
“I’m not allowed,” he said.
That’s because Brock is vision and hearing impaired. However, Brock does play ice hockey for the Pittsburgh Penguins Blind Hockey Club. “I really do like that,” said Brock, who will enter Independence Middle School this September.
Brock loves triathlons even more. But admits there are challenges.
“Definitely,” he said.
To overcome them, Brock puts in extra training. He walks the course before competitions so he is familiar with the race.
“I have a good memory,” he said confidently. “So, I know where all the obstacles are, like the potholes that way when I am biking or running I can avoid them.”
Brock though will never avoid competition. Nothing is a hindrance.
“Not for me,” he said. “I really enjoy this. It’s really fun.”