There are a lot of great role models in the sport of triathlon. It’s easy to look to the pros for inspiration and yearning.
But the hometown heroes are the unsung greats that impact our lives in ways we don’t always realize. The world lost one such hero last week.
Bethany Rutledge laid down to take a nap and never woke up. She left this world far too soon, leaving behind a very young family and so much drive to better the world of triathlon.
I first met Bethany and John when I joined the Atlanta Triathlon Club in 2010. I immediately recognized them as a powerhouse couple, but their warmth was unmistakable. They made everyone feel welcome and a part of something great. They seemed to be at everything! Leading the charge in creating the sense of family that ATC was. They were strong athletes themselves, creating amazing examples for us all. On weekend runs, I was in the slower run race groups, but Bethany always made me feel equal. In the pool, I was slower than most of my teammates, but Bethany always made me feel equal. She even asked me to teach her how to come into the wall and push off quickly (without a flip turn) because she noticed my transitions at the wall were faster than hers. Me? Teach this elite athlete something? She made my day that day and I’ll never forget it.
She raced so fiercely and I’ve always been inspired by that. I was a newbie triathlete learning how to clip into pedals and swim straight; she was racing fast, earning podium placements and remained humble along the way.
Since I moved out of Atlanta, I’ve been a part of four other triathlon groups, but no other group has impacted me and my growth as an athlete quite like ATC. I joined ATC to help me as I trained for my first Half Ironman. Very quickly after joining, I raced my first marathon and then registered for my first Ironman. The whole group and especially Bethany made me feel like I could do anything. I owe them a debt of gratitude for nurturing this early love of triathlon.
Bethany has made a world of an impact on the triathlon community since I last saw her, not only in the Atlanta community, but far and wide in her writing.
I feel a deep sense of sadness that this world no longer has her sweet and driven soul walking this earth. Or really running this earth because that was more her speed :)
My heart goes out to all that were close to her. Hopefully there is comfort in knowing that she has touched so many lives; including people like me who live in a different corner of the country and haven’t spoke to her in years.
Rest in peace, Bethany. Your energy and spirit live on.
