Today, I get to honor my dear friend Ginny Cataldi. I first heard of her as she was sharing her training journey for her 1st Ironman race IMLP through her IG account. I still remember her finishing race picture for that race…that’s how I got introduced to Betty Designs. Her daily inspiration and passion for the sport inspired me to submit my application to become part of Team Betty. We’ve been Betty Sisters for two years now and got to build a beautiful friendship. I got the pleasure to meet her and squeeze her in real live last Summer at IMLP. I really love to watch her determination, drive and discipline for the triathlon sport. If you need some real motivation and display of commitment to this sport, please follow her at IG:@ginnylovestri24. It is my pleasure to share with you all some of her drive and passion as she answers the questions for the #WeBuildEachOtherUp movement.

Max Fennell always knew he belonged, always knew he was going to be a professional athlete. At the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon early on Sunday, June 7, he clung one-handed to the railing of the San Francisco Belle sternwheeler boat, shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the pros, then dived out into the water as everyone piled off the boat.

Muscles toned and mohawk bleached blond from countless hours spent training in swimming pools, Fennell blends in. Almost. He stands out, too. Just four of the 2,000 pro and amateur competitors in San Francisco were African-American, and when Fennell received his pro card in September last year, he became the first ever African-American professional triathlete.