2022 Cleveland-Caldwell Advancement of the Sport Award – Elizabeth Kamerick
Presented by Judy Alexander
January 8, 2023
This award is given in recognition of those who make significant contributions to the advancement of the sport, whether through research, education or some other area of expertise.
I’m thrilled when an athlete I nominate receives an award and especially when I get to present it. I ask around and always find my reasons for the nomination are validated, because everyone feels the same way about that athlete.
For example:
One of this athlete’s training partners describes this athlete as enjoying helping motivate people to get out and run, to cross train by doing multi-sports, and to learn new activities, including those this athlete themselves may still be learning.
Chika Okoro, last year’s Hall of Fame inductee says, “When [this athlete] sets goals, not only do they work hard to achieve them, but they also invite and encourage others to join them in these pursuits. Time after time, this athlete has overcome injuries and other setbacks by consulting with health professionals/trainers and by researching topics related to their issue. Then they share the knowledge gained with anyone expressing similar goals or having similar physical issues.”
This athlete started off in 2010 as a participant in the GWTC Beginning Running Group and has come full circle, from volunteering and adding their expertise to the group to leading the group and making some excellent changes such as the group’s current meeting venue. They stay after the run to lead the group in stretching and strength training exercises, designed to avoid injury and enhance the running experience.
This is one of those athletes who has the ‘good cop/bad cop’ thing down pat. They know when to light a fire under you to get you going and when you just need love, comfort & gentle encouragement to make your goal. These are coaching techniques that make all the difference to a lifelong runner or multisport athlete.
I like to call this athlete The Real Deal. She’s volunteered for more events than we have time to list. She has placed multiple times in the GWTC Grand Prix & this year is first in her age group. She has placed in the Triathlon Club’s Grand Prix, and she’s done hundreds of miles of running, cycling and swimming events, all while genuinely offering encouragement and expertise to those around her.
Elizabeth Kamerick
It’s an honor and my pleasure to present the 2022 Cleveland-Caldwell Advancement of the Sport Award to Elizabeth Kamerick.