19 Year-Old Paralympic Athlete Mary Kate Callahan Competing in Chicago Triathlon

paralympic athletes
Mary Kate recently posted the fastest time ever for a female Para 1 (wheelchair athlete) in a half Ironman event .

“Never, Never, Never Give Up!”

Never give up. That’s the message Mary Kate Callahan continues to preach. The inspiring 19 year old, T8-T10 paraplegic is on a quest and has made training for and competing in Triathlon and Ironman events her life’s passion.

A La Grange, IL native, Mary Kate has been paralyzed since being an infant due to a virus that settled in her spinal cord (known as transverse myelitis). Today, she is a University of Arizona psychology student competing at the highest levels of athletic endurance and doing what she loves: racing! She represented the United States as the youngest member of Team USA at the 2012 & 2014 World Triathlon Championships. Her recent sporting travels have taken her to Mexico (winning a Silver Medal) and to London, where she won a Gold Medal at the London ITU World Triathlon.

On July 11, Mary Kate posted the fastest time ever for female Para 1 (wheelchair athlete) in a half Ironman event at the Muncie Half Ironman World Championship. She will soon be competing in the World Triathlon Championships coming to Chicago this September 15-19. In all, more than 6,500 of the world’s best triathletes will compete for world titles over four days of competition. Go to the Chicago Triathlon website for more information.

What’s next after the Chicago race?

“I will be regrouping and training to prepare for the Louisville Ironman in October,” said Mary Kate. “Because of your support, I have been able to follow my dreams and compete on an international stage… your kindness will not be forgotten.”

We wish Mary Kate continued success as she comes back to her hometown of Chicago… and in Louisville Kentucky in October!

For more information on Mary Kate’s events and future plans, go to //marykatecallahan.com/.