Zoe Poe excels on the world stage as a triathlete .
Zoe Poe , a junior at South Fayette High School , recently competed for Team USA at the Triathlon Age Group World Championships in Montreal , Canada . She finished 8th in the 16-19 age group in the sprint triathlon with the global competition and was third-place finisher among her American competitors . ( A sprint triathlon includes a 750-meter open-water swim , a 20K bike leg and a 5K run .)
When she arrived for the competition a few days before the event , there were complications with the lake where the swim portion of the triathlon was to be held . This was a potential disappointment since Zoe ’ s best and favorite event is the swim . But fate was on her side , as the organizers were able to have the swim event after all , and she and a fellow competitor from Mexico jumped out to an early lead — about 20 seconds ahead of the rest of the field — with Zoe ultimately edging her out by a half second to win the swim .
The biking leg proved challenging as it was a bit hillier than the courses Zoe trains on , but she still managed an impressive finish . She is also a USA Triathlon All-American , a status that only 10 percent of each age group achieve each year .
Zoe ’ s accomplishments have been earned after years of hard work , beginning with the first triathlon competition at age 7 — the South Park Kids Triathlon . She was drawn to the sport because of her love of swimming , and Zoe ’ s mom , Lori , is a cross-country and track coach . When her parents started a bike business called The Tandem Connection about 10 years ago , she found herself surrounded by bikes .
“ It seemed inevitable that I would pursue triathlons as a sport . And I ended up falling in love with it ,” says Zoe . In fact , she has three siblings who compete in triathlons as well : sisters Hailey and Abby , and brother DJ .
Zoe trains hard for about 24 hours a week during the warmer months , running six days a week and biking five days a week . She also lifts weights in the off-season .
Lori admires her daughter ’ s discipline and work ethic , as both a coach and a mom . “ Zoe is so focused on achieving her goals ; she sets her sights on one goal , does the hard work to achieve that goal and then looks at what she can achieve next ,” she says . “ I see a very mature competitor when I watch her . I also admire her discipline and dedication to her training and schoolwork that comes before other activities and events . She does a great job balancing her academics , athletics and other activities . I guess you can say that my husband and I are advisors , Uber drivers , meal and event planners , and cheerleaders .”
The Poes have also found that a mix of coaches works well for the sport of triathlons . Zoe swims for Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics Swim Club throughout the year and participates on the South Fayette High School cross-country , swimming , and track teams during the school year . This year , she also joined an elite triathlon team called MMTT , which is based in Chicago . The MMTT coaches have given her feedback that has helped strengthen the biking leg of her competitions .
Zoe says she ’ s still learning a lot about triathlons : “ I hope to end up on bigger stages , like more world championships , and then the Olympics would be the cherry on top . Eventually I hope to achieve an Olympic trial cut for swimming also . I am inspired by many of the triathletes I have met at various races . It is inspiring to hear other athletes ’ stories and the obstacles they have overcome , and how they pursued their dreams .”
With Zoe ’ s drive , discipline and the support of her family , she has a great shot at fulfilling all her dreams . n
SOUTH FAYETTE ❘ FALL 2022 15