Erika Buckett has been involved with the HEAT Kids Triathlon since 2016, when she was 10 years old. As much as she has enjoyed the competitions, Erika has treasured her time spent with the many friends made at the triathlon. She continues to return to the event each year, now as a finish line volunteer.
In addition to running track and cross country in high school, Erika swam competitively for many years with Middle Tennessee Swim Club, at Sea Star, where for the past few years she has also been an instructor. At the same time, she has been competing in her school’s JROTC “Raider Comps”, which are outdoor multi-event challenges focused on physical strength and endurance.
The confidence Erika gained from triathlons taught her “the sky is the limit” – literally! Following her junior year of high school, Erika spent 8 weeks training at the selective Air Force Flight Academy in Pensacola, FL, where she earned her private pilot’s license. Most recently, Erika accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point where, in addition to receiving instruction to become an Army officer, and studying life science, she plans to try out for the triathlon team!
