Athlete of the Year Kathy Petrillo

JUPITER, FL – November 3, 2017 – Determined. Powerful. Fearless. These are the words that describe the 2016 Florida Senior Games Athlete of the Year, nationally ranked U.S.A. cyclist, and Jupiter local, Kathy Petrillo. Having been an athlete since she was a young girl, Kathy’s passion for health and fitness, as well as her gusto for life is what has pushed her to success. 

“I am someone who loves challenging myself and encouraging others. Being named the Athlete of the Year was the greatest privilege,” says Kathy. 

Setting record times at the 5K and 10K Time Trials in the 55 to 59 age group, she is the 2017 and 2016 Florida Senior Games State Time Trial champion. 

In the 2015 Florida Senior Games, she won a gold medal in all four of her cycling events with her fastest times in the 5K and 10K Time Trials, and she was also the top female finisher in the 20K and 40K road races. These impressive times, coupled with perseverance, is what lead her to the 2015 National Senior Games, where she won the gold medal for the 50 to 54 age group in the 20K road race, as well as two silvers and a bronze. 

As a certified nutrition and wellness consultant, realtor, and educator, she has created a business of her own called “Wellness Warrior,” through which she consults with physicians, individuals, and corporations regarding health and wellness nutrition. She has also created a cycling kit called Jupiter Cycling that includes riding shorts and shirt with a Jupiter Lighthouse–inspired logo printed on each piece. 

“I am very passionate about helping others achieve their optimum health and wellness,” says Kathy. “We only have one body and the better
we take care of it, the better we’ll live. I believe at 50 plus, life doesn’t stop, it just gets better.” 

Training for six months in advance of a race by riding four to five days a week from Marcinski Beach to Ft. Pierce, as well as indoor conditioning, the rider sees no end in her future. Kathy affirms, “I will be back for years to come and expect to be competing at age 80 plus.”