blog: http://shsl-triathlete.tumblr.com/
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Athletes from all around the world aspire to do what Mei Katsunoda had accomplished. Being the youngest competitor to ever place in Japans National Triathlon - the Ironman - Mei set a new standard amongst her age and weight group. Appearing in triathlons from the age of thirteen, she made a name for herself as a "future elite athlete". Since she was a child, her life has been centered around athleticism with her family being thoroughbred athletes - from cyclists to mountain climbers to marathoners.

Soon excelling at the three stages of the competition individuality, it seemed only natural to take on the challenge of competing in a triathlon. Though Mei had difficulties keeping up with the triathlon course due to coping with asthma, it never stopped stop her from going against the odds and striving for absolute physical success. The media now adorns her as a source of hope for struggling asthmatics and young athletes who saw her as a role model. And upon receiving national recognition, she was soon accepted into Hopes Peak Academy after IMs the award ceremony much to her (rather overwhelming) excitement!