Celebrating Kendra Herber: A Champion's Journey to Her First World Paratriathlon Victory
Optimus Prosthetics is thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievement of our patient, Kendra Herber, who has recently clinched her first World Triathlon victory. Kendra's journey to this milestone has been nothing short of inspiring, marked by determination, resilience, and an unyielding spirit.
Kendra's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. In her own words from her LinkedIn post, she shared her excitement:
“I’m THRILLED to announce my first World Triathlon victory! I was able to cross through the ribbon for the first time, and I have so much pride. We swam against the current, so all our times were slow. The bike was long, hilly, and technical, but I was able to preserve enough energy to kill the run despite the 93 degree heat. Many people weren’t prepared for that type of heat, but I followed Team USA’s advice to the T and was able to execute.”
Kendra's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. In her own words from her LinkedIn post, she shared her excitement:
“I’m THRILLED to announce my first World Triathlon victory! I was able to cross through the ribbon for the first time, and I have so much pride. We swam against the current, so all our times were slow. The bike was long, hilly, and technical, but I was able to preserve enough energy to kill the run despite the 93 degree heat. Many people weren’t prepared for that type of heat, but I followed Team USA’s advice to the T and was able to execute.”
Kendra's success in the triathlon, particularly under challenging conditions, underscores her exceptional athleticism and strategic race execution. Swimming against a strong current, tackling a long and hilly bike course, and finishing with a powerful run in 93-degree heat demonstrates her remarkable perseverance and skill.
At Optimus Prosthetics, we are honored to have played a part in Kendra’s journey by fabricating her custom socket, which you can see in more detail in this video. Crafted with aerospace-grade carbon fiber, this socket is exceptionally light weighing approximately 2 pounds including her running blade. The lightweight design paired perfectly with her running blade offers Kendra a significant advantage in her races. This combination is crucial for maintaining high performance across all three disciplines of the triathlon.
Kendra's triumph is also a family affair. Looked ahead to the potential of joining Team USA in Paris, she shared:
“My family is SO ready to go home, but we’ve had an amazing experience. I’m not sure what these last 2 races do for my chances for Paris, but it can’t hurt. I’m keeping a positive attitude and hanging on to the small chance that this could still happen for me 🤞🏻💪🏻🇺🇸 And if it doesn’t, God will show me the next path of how He can use me.”
Her positive outlook and faith continue to guide her as she eyes future competitions and opportunities. With her recent victory, Kendra is one step closer to her dreams, and we remain confident that her journey is far from over.
Kendra also expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her along the way:
“Thanks so much sponsors/coaches: Dare2tri, Optimus Prosthetics, Advanced 3D, LifeNabled, AquaTerra Coaching, LLC, OrthoCincy, Fillauer Companies, YES HIM Consulting, Inc.”
Kendra's story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right support, technology, and a never-give-up attitude. Her victory is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration for many. We are incredibly proud to be part of her journey and look forward to supporting her as she continues to pursue her dreams.
Congratulations, Kendra, on your extraordinary achievement! Your victory is a celebration of your hard work, dedication, and the innovative spirit that drives us all to push boundaries and achieve greatness.
Make sure to follow her journey on her social media (@kendra.herber) and ours (@optimusprosthetics)!
Read more about Kendra’s story in her book WHOLE: A Leg Up on Life.