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PERSONAL

Born:  September 8 1972, Loretteville Quebec, Canada

Canadian Citizen; Permanent Residency in United States

B.S. Physical Education & Health, Old Dominion University 1990-1994
Varsity Swim Team Scholarship 1990-1994, CAA Champion 200Fly 1993
Year Round Swim Coach for Burkwood Aquatic Club (BAC) 1995-1999
Presently:  Coaching Private lessons, Developing training plans, and public speaking
USAT Age Group Ranking ’00:  2nd 25-29
USAT Age Group Ranking ’01:  1st  25-29

I was born the youngest daughter to Norm and Betty Connolly in Loretteville, Quebec, Canada.  My Father was in the Canadian Army so my family moved every three to four years, quite often relocating out of the country. 

I began competitive swimming in Ottawa, Canada with the Gloucester Ottawa Kingfish (GO) when I was eleven.  My best events were the 50 and 100 freestyle.  I qualified for Canadian Nationals in both those events.  Going into the tenth grade my Father was transferred to Hampton, Virginia as Canadian Liaison Officer to TRADOC Headquarters at Fort Monroe.  I began swimming for Old Dominion Aquatic Club (ODAC) in Norfolk, which was coached by Bill Peak.  He had me specialize in the 200 Fly and the 400 IM. 

Upon my graduation from High School my parents were transferred to Germany.  However, I decided to stay in the United States and accepted a swimming scholarship to Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia.  I had been battling shoulder problems most of my swimming career so, while at ODU, I had arthroscopic surgery on my right shoulder.  Needless to say I swam better than ever and won conference in the 200 fly.  After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health I moved to Richmond, Virginia to be with my, now, husband Chris Holloway.  I did a lot of swim team coaching and became the Head Coach of a small team, Burkwood Aquatic Club (BAC).  I coached BAC for four years.  Although I loved coaching I had started to develop a passion for triathlons.  My friends talked me into doing a couple where I had some success.  My competitive nature being what it is, and having the support of my husband, I decided to take my training to a new level .  I gave up year round swim team coaching only because it required me to work most mornings, evenings and weekends which is not conducive to training.

In 2000 I attempted my first Ironman in Florida.  I was the sixth woman to finish overall.  This qualified me for Hawaii 2001.  In Hawaii, my second Ironman, I placed third in my age group.

Since 2002 I have been racing professionally.  My best performance to date has been placing winning Ironman Canada in 2005 and placing third at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in June of 2004.  I have been having a blast and learning a lot about this sport and myself.  Throughout my triathlon experience the athletes I have met have inspired me and I treasure the friendships that I have made.  This sport has enriched my life and I look forward with anticipation to my future in it. 

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