MARIETTA, Ga. – Capt. Kari Giles, deputy director of operations, Georgia Air National Guard, qualified to compete in the World Games after finishing sixth in the ‘World Triathlon Powerman Long Distance Duathlon Championships’, Zofingen, Switzerland, Sep 19, 2021.
Competing in the duathlon was necessary to fill Giles’ life-long goal of participating in the World Games in July 2022. Giles ran and biked 112 miles in 8 hours 26 minutes 41 seconds.
First in the USA and 19th in the world for all duathlon distances, and 12th in the world for the Long Course, is Giles current ranking.
“My military career … has helped me hone in on my mental toughness and become more disciplined,” said Giles. “This race has proved only the well prepared and tough survived.”
Giles also races with other military and civilian athletes who help fellow service members cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, addictions, abuse or suicidal thoughts. Their next competition will be in June 2022.