Get to Know Incoming Northern Kentucky University Triathlete, Fallon Bright

Name: Fallon Bright

Hometown: Mars, Pennsylvania

High School: Mars Area High School

Sports: Cross Country, Track and Field, and Triathlon

Athletic Accolades: “One of my main accomplishments as an athlete would be earning the captain title for my cross country team for my senior year. I have an extremely enthusiastic personality and love to lead others.  With this being said, I was ecstatic to be recognized for this quality in my final season.”

Commitment: To become a triathlete at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). NKU is a public university located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. The institution is home to around 16,000 students and competes as the Norse in athletics. NKU competes at the NCAA Division I level and women’s triathlon at NKU began this fall. Bright will be a part of just the second team in the history of the program.

Why She Chose NKU: “Originally, I met Coach Brooks at a triathlon through my coach. After getting to know me by observing a practice of mine at a camp, Coach Brooks reached out to me explaining why I was a perfect fit for the NKU triathlon team.  From there, I was able to tour the school and meet the team. After my first tour, I knew that the campus would be the perfect fit as my new home and by the second visit, I was ready to sign.”

Intended Major and Future Plans: “My intended major is pre-medicine and I plan to attend graduate school to finish an anesthesiologist assistant program.”

Her Athletic Background: Growing up, Bright competed in ice hockey before transitioning to distance running in the sixth grade. She eventually began competing in triathlons around three years later. “I played hockey when I was in elementary school. As a child, I was not the most coordinated individual, and hockey made it so I had to adapt to a new environment, while still being shaky on my feet.  I honestly believe that this is what helped shape my determination before triathlon. Falling on the ice and getting back up is not easy when you are already struggling, but time and time again I kept returning to the ice more eager to get it right each time. When I started as a triathlete, I had never competitively swam or biked. With that being said, I had to learn how to push myself in two new areas. Learning how to get out of my comfort zone all over again was nothing short of a challenge, but I’m glad to have conquered it.”

When She Started Competing in Triathlons: “I started to compete as a triathlete when I was 14. The sport has become the aspect of my life that keeps me motivated, focused, and healthy.  Although I love the races, the practices and training have shaped me mentally into the person I am.”

Favorite Memories From Athletics: “My top memories from my athletic career would definitely include my best triathlon race to date. I was lucky enough to be able to travel and compete in Iowa with two of my best friends. The race was super exciting and I met my now coach, Kimberly Clark, at that venue. It definitely changed my athletic career for the better.”

Her Love For Music: Bright is in line to receive the Presidential Cup, the highest achievement awarded by the National Federation of Music. She’s been playing the piano for over 12 years and it’s been another activity that’s taught her great discipline and patience, while also providing balance in what’s a very active lifestyle as a student-athlete.

Life as an Influencer: “I’ve been working with Kilogear since fifth-grade and ChicknLegs since ninth-grade. I absolutely love working with the companies and it feels like I have supporters from all over following my career.”

Her Support System: “My mom and Coach Clark have been the main supporters of my athletic endeavors. Whenever I’m struggling or having a bad race, my mom encourages me and is always there to celebrate my successes. Coach Clark constantly helps me to improve my performances and creates amazing workouts to make me stronger.”

A Testament About Her Faith: “Faith is extremely important to me. I am blessed with the ability to compete and train. God is constantly keeping me safe and guiding me to being a stronger individual in all aspects of my life.”