Meet Coral Owen: Athlete, Coach, Mom, and Trailblazer in Women's Triathlon
Coral Owen is not just another triathlete. She's a beacon of empowerment in Tampa Bay, a coach, a mother, and a visionary who's sparking a revolution in women's sports with her mantra, "be a badass every day." This isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a philosophy that she lives by and encourages within her community through Team BABE Athletics—a platform fostering an inclusive environment for women in endurance sports, regardless of their age, size, or skill level.
Coral Owen's Journey into Triathlon
Raised by triathlete parents, Coral grew up immersed in the world of swim-bike-run in the 1980s, a time when triathlon was burgeoning as a sport. Despite her deep-seated roots in the athletic world, Coral was initially reluctant to follow in her parents' footsteps, particularly due to her aversion to running. However, life has a funny way of coming full circle. During high school, despite struggling to complete even half-mile runs, Coral found herself drawn to the challenge of triathlons after witnessing the Reebok Women’s Triathlon at St. Pete Pier. It was a transformative experience, one that reshaped her perspective on what was possible. Joined by her mother, Coral completed her first triathlon, stepping into a new realm of potential she had once thought unattainable.
The Birth of Team BABE Athletics
Her journey didn't stop at personal achievements. Coral's passion for triathlon blossomed into a desire to empower other women. Observing a stark gender disparity in the sport, with significantly fewer women participating in long-course races compared to men, Coral was driven to make a change. This inspiration led to the creation of Team BABE Athletics. What started as a modest group has grown into a thriving community of over 500 members, a testament to the power of supportive networks in fostering female participation in sports.
Empowerment Through Community and Joy
Team BABE isn't just about training for triathlons; it's about building a community where women can find joy in the challenge, embrace nature, and support each other in their athletic journeys. Coral believes that the essence of triathlon within her team lies not in the competition itself but in the communal experience and the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits together.
Coral Owen: More Than a Coach
To those who train with her, Coral is more than a coach; she's a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. Her infectious enthusiasm, genuine care for her athletes, and optimistic outlook make her a central figure in not just shaping better athletes but also better individuals. As Coral often says, the impact of Team BABE Athletics has grown beyond her own hands—it's a collective force now, driven by every woman who joins and contributes to this vibrant community.
Looking Forward
As Coral Owen continues to lead and expand Team BABE Athletics, keep an eye out for more engaging, approachable, and female-friendly triathlon events in Tampa Bay. This movement is just getting started, and the potential for growth and further empowerment of women in triathlon is boundless.
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Coral Owen and Team BABE Athletics are just one of the many stories that inspire and connect us. Here's to finding your tribe, challenging your limits, and being a badass every day, in every way.
Who is Coral Owen?
Coral Owen is an athlete, coach, and mother known for completing an Ironman race in Louisville and founding Team BABE Athletics. She coaches female triathletes and promotes a mantra of "be a badass every day".
What is Team BABE Athletics?
Team BABE Athletics is an endurance team founded by Coral Owen, offering training for women in various athletic disciplines like swimming, biking, and running. It aims to be inclusive regardless of age, speed, size, background, or distance preference.
What motivated Coral Owen to start Team BABE Athletics?
Inspired by her own experiences and the community of women in the sport, Coral Owen started Team BABE Athletics to support and empower women in endurance sports. The team's growth from just 10 members to over 500 highlights the strong community focus.
How did Coral Owen's background influence her career in athletics?
Growing up with triathlete parents and participating in swimming from a young age influenced Coral Owen's career in athletics. Despite initially disliking running, she embraced triathlons after participating in the Reebok Women’s Triathlon with her mother.
What is the role of The Gabber Newspaper in covering local news and community activities?
The Gabber Newspaper covers local news in South Pinellas County, including community activities, events, and profiles like that of Coral Owen. It also provides resources such as storm coverage and live webcams of Gulfport and its surroundings.
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Source: https://thegabber.com/meet-coral-owen-athlete-coach-mom-and-all-around-rockstar/
