Melanie,

Just want to say that I really look up to your accomplishments and obvious training ethics. I have a couple questions that I'm wondering about. Besides reaching that pro qualification, what is the most important thing in becoming a top elite athlete?
I raced the national trail running championship this year just to get out and see you guys race in the xterra nat. champs(it was awesome by the way)
My next step is to meet the pro triathlete qualifications...as an athlete, where does one go next...

How does one acquire sponsorships?
Do these appear with success or do you seek them out?

Any insider information would be helpful

Thanks,
Alex

I think the most important thing is to focus on improving yourself. The "process" of becoming a pro athlete is more of a journey towards being a better athlete in general. I never thought of being a "professional" when I started, I only thought about getting better. Every time I achieved a goal, I set the next one a little higher. It takes a lot of time and patience to reach the top level of sport so enjoying every day, the training, the racing and the travelling as you go is the most important thing.

Regarding sponsorship: companies rarely pay athletes to race. However, too many athletes think that getting sponsorship is the result of winning big races. Companies, in general, are looking for good ambassadors for their products. That ambassadorship can range from local ambassadors to international. The most important thing is to grow and cultivate relationships where you are helping to raise awareness of a product and its benefit and the product is benefitting from being associated with a good role model and a great personality.

If you start locally and always work with companies you believe in you will become a highly desirable athlete. Many companies offer grass roots sponsorship programs where you are part of a team. That is a great place to start learning about that side of the sport.

So set your goals as to where you want to go in sport and believe in yourself. If you think it is possible it will happen.

Good luck!

Melanie