Spotlight on law staff: Katie Rodda’s international journey in triathlon
Katie is a staff member and competitive triathlete who skilfully balances her professional duties with rigorous athletic training, achieving remarkable success on the international stage.
Katie Rodda is a Support Worker for Dr Imogen Jones at the University of Leeds' School of Law. While many might find it challenging to juggle a demanding job and intense athletic training, Katie does so with passion and perseverance, marking her journey as both a staff member and a competitive triathlete truly inspiring.
Katie’s introduction to triathlon began at the age of 13, driven by her love for swimming and engagement in multiple sports. "Triathlon was a good balance as I didn’t have to choose just one sport," she recalls. This early commitment led her to be selected for her local regional talent academy, eventually earning a spot on the England Talent Squad. As a junior, Katie competed in the British National Series and represented Great Britain in several international competitions across Europe, setting the foundation for her future in the sport.
When it came time to pursue higher education, Katie chose the University of Leeds, drawn by its strong connection to the Leeds Triathlon Centre, which supports athletes looking to compete at a high level while studying. Because of her achievements whilst at university, she has continued to train in the Leeds Triathlon Centre, saying:
It is a pretty cool place to train with athletes of a huge range of abilities, from university students who have never tried a triathlon to training with the best athletes in the world like Olympic medallists like Georgia Taylor Brown and Vicky Holland.
Although triathlon is often seen as an individual sport, Katie enjoys participating in team events, such as in mixed team relay events. In addition to representing Leeds Triathlon Centre in UK competitions, Katie also competes for Stade Poitevin in the French Grand Prix, a prestigious league where international athletes are invited to compete.
To balance professional duties with a rigorous training schedule requires careful time Katie works three days a week, strategically aligning her workdays with lighter training sessions. "I always swim before I go to work. I sometimes go for a run in my lunch break and then go to the gym or for a cycle after work," she says, detailing how she fits all her training, 25-30 hours, each week. Her supervisor, Imogen, has also been incredibly supportive and accommodating to her training schedule.
Katie’s dedication to triathlon has not only shaped her athletic career but also profoundly influenced her professional life. "Having to balance my training with my studies while at university and now with my job means I have to be very disciplined," she reflects. “I would say I am pretty productive, as I like to make sure I can get it all done. Getting outside before work in the morning helps me be more productive and manage my time effectively."
When asked about her most memorable experiences, Katie highlights the joy of competing internationally. "Competing anywhere internationally is an incredible experience—being able to compete for your country and travel to cool places with your friends and teammates," she says. One of her favourite memories is from a European Cup in Alhandra, Portugal. "I had one of my best races, and it was not far from Lisbon, so we were able to do some sightseeing after the race," she recalls.
Looking ahead, Katie is excited about several upcoming opportunities. "At the end of August, I have been selected to compete for GB at the World University Games in Poland, which has both an individual event and a relay event. I’m sure it will be a fun experience," she shares.
Katie also hopes to qualify for the World Championships in Spain later this year and is gearing up for her first World Cup race in the autumn. In terms of long-term objectives, she says: "My biggest goal in the next few years is to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games."
Katie’s advice to others balancing athletics with academic or professional careers is straightforward: "I think it is great to have a hobby outside of your career as it keeps you well-balanced. I am probably biased, but doing a sport is great for both your mental and physical health. With the Olympics being on at the moment and the weather being good (for once!) I think it is a great time to try something new and you never know you might find a new passion!”
As Katie continues to compete on the world stage, the School of Law proudly supports her journey and celebrates her achievements.
