KATHY PRUITT AND THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP
03.18.22
Click the image above to play the video!
Kathy Pruitt has an impressive history on two-wheels. She’s been racing motocross since she was a toddler and has been a professional cyclist since she was 12. Over the years she’s achieved many things: a Junior Downhill World Championship, National Championships, and countless podiums. Kathy’s career is impressive, and she is grateful for the people who helped make it possible. As she says, “I didn’t get here on my own.” She now has a wealth of knowledge that she loves passing along to others. Recently, she took new Flashpoint MVMNT rider Rachel Parker out for a gravel skills session in the Marin Headlands. Rachel may have numerous road race and crit podiums on her palmarés, but she’s newer to riding on the dirt and was eager to get some tips from somebody as experienced as Kathy.
Since filming the video above and after over two decades of being a Giro athlete, Kathy decided it was time to focus on a marketing career and started a job with a competitor brand. We couldn’t have started Flashpoint MVMNT without her and are happy she’ll continue with our other sponsors Canyon, SRAM/Zipp/Rockshox, WTB, and Thule.
We’re proud to have Kathy’s meaningful words that follow as her final contribution to Flashpoint MVMNT. Thanks for all the good times Kathy - we’ll see you on the trails!
Words by Kathy Pruitt:
Not many kids can say they were riding motorcycles at the age of 3 and racing professionally at 12 and by the age of 16 have a junior DH mountain bike World Champion title. Later I would add National Champion in not only downhill but also single speed cyclocross. I’m currently competing in endurance gravel and cross country events, and I’m once again reminded that to accomplish my goals I need help to get there. I may have stood on many podiums and worn medals but these accomplishments are not just mine alone, many people have helped me along the way.
“No matter how accomplished you are as an athlete, there is always somebody who knows a bit more or has a bit more experience. When we’re open to receiving tips and mentorship from other people who we admire, it helps us all become better athletes.”
-KATHY
No matter how accomplished you are as an athlete, there is always somebody who knows a bit more or has a bit more experience. When we’re open to receiving tips and mentorship from other people who we admire, it helps us all become better athletes. I still get great advice from my peers and other races who inspire me and I love when I have the opportunity to pass my knowledge onto others. It doesn’t have to be something really involved like formal coaching--we can just be open to help the people around us, and that will inspire them to help others as well.
I always say that bikes reflect real life, too, and this idea of just being supportive goes so far beyond the bike, just in general in life. If we’re available to help people, we not only make the cycling community a more supporting and welcoming space for everybody, but the world as well.
