KATIE EVANS



  • Wolverhampton, UK
  • Age: 25
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 11

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • 3rd British Universities 10 mile time trial championship (women)
  • Part of the1st place women’s team at the British Universities cyclocross championships.
  • 3rd Shrewsbury Circuit race 2010
  • 3rd Overall Lady – South Staffordshire road race league
  • Joint 1st Wolverhampton Wheelers Women’s track Champion 2010
  • Wolverhampton Wheelers Women’s road race champion 2009
  • 3rd Shrewsbury Criterium May 2010
  • 4th Shrewsbury Criterium June 2010
  • Overall 3rd Place in the South Staffordshire Road Race League - Womens - 2010
  • Joint First Wolverhampton Wheelers Track League - Womens - 2010

MEET KATIE EVANS


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 11 years old – in September 2000.


How did you feel about diabetes when you were first diagnosed?

I remember feeling very upset and shocked. I had never heard of the condition and to then be told I was going to have to inject insulin for the rest of my life was extremely upsetting. I also remember feeling particularly angry and resentful and continually asked the question; why me?


What was your family’s reaction to the news?

Both my parents felt much the same way that I did but I think they experienced a profound sense of guilt as they both believed they were at fault for my diabetes – in the genetic sense at least.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Diabetes is a massive part of my life. Everything I do comes with the ‘how will this affect my blood sugars’ attached. Yet I don’t really feel anything towards my diabetes. It is so engrained in my life that I just don’t associate it with any great emotion. Sure every so often I get annoyed with it, mainly when racing and my blood sugars, seeming to defy my careful planning and efforts, are way out of range. All in all though, diabetes makes me who I am so I cant complain.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

Genuinely? No idea. I played soccer from an early age before I was diagnosed and when I was diagnosed I had absolutely no intention of stopping. I don’t really know any different. I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with my spare time if I didn’t exercise. I compete because, for me, its pure excitement. Nothing can beat the feeling of competing.


What drew you to Team Type 1?

In a racing sense, the desire to ride with people who know exactly what I go through on a daily basis. I want to learn to race as a rider with diabetes and share my experiences of racing with other people with diabetes so that in future I can race on a level playing field whereby my diabetes is no longer a hindrance or an excuse to use for a bad result. In terms of Team Type 1’s ethos, I was particularly attracted to it’s notions of showing that a person with type 1 diabetes can achieve anything if they want it badly enough. The idea that a rider with type 1 diabetes can race in the Tour de France can give hope and aspirations to all of us living with this disease. I feel it is particularly important to convey that being diagnosed isn’t the end of the world.


Tell us about a personal Achievement that was highly significant to you.

Coming third at my local crit race last year. This was the first time I competed with a larger number of women riders and I held my own. It was proof that I can be a good rider.


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Any event completed by non athletes. This is because many athletes are paid to train and compete but everyday people who run marathons, do triathlons and complete any form of endurance event are proof that everyone can achieve something significant even when holding down full time jobs with families and other commitments. One athletic event that I found personally inspiring to watch - Steve Redgrave winning his final Olympic gold medal after being newly diagnosed with type 1. His previous 4 gold medals were won prior to diagnosis. Thus proving even T1 athletes can win gold medals and made a powerful statement to me that continues to be a source of inspiration.


If there is one piece of advice you could give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes– what would it be?

Simple. It’s not the end of the world.


How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

I didn’t really think about it too much. It was never made an issue and it never affected anything I did during high school.


In what way have you found that your diabetes has helped you grow as an individual?

I don’t believe my diabetes itself has helped me grow. Instead, I think the fact that I haven’t let it stop me doing anything I’ve ever wanted to do has helped me greatly. Diabetes is one thing that I never let become an obstacle for me. When I am presented with other issues or problems, thinking about how I handle diabetes, I gain confidence that helps me overcome other issues too.


Are there any areas of your diabetes management that you are currently targeting to improve?

To stop getting too stressed before a competition as I usually end up with massively high blood sugars.


Tell us about an athletic goal you have for the short term – say less than one year from now.

To become a second cat rider and to win a race.


How about an athletic goal that you have for the long term?

To become an elite rider and also cycle across Australia.