Kate Naess is a distinguished Australian Paralympian, who transitioned from representing Australia in Para-equestrian to Para-triathlon following the death of her mother to breast cancer. Born with a hand difference, she has excelled in elite sport.
Kate made her Paralympic debut in triathlon at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Her elite sporting career in triathlon has been marked by significant achievements, including a bronze medal at the 2015 ITU Paratriathlon World Championships, seven World Paratriathlon Series titles, and two ITU Paratriathlon World Cup wins, as well as winning international races just 7 months after the birth of her first child.
In addition to her sports career, Naess holds a Master's degree in industrial and organisational psychology with over 20 years of experience working with organisations, individuals and teams to cultivate high performance. Her work spans organisational culture, leadership development, inclusion and wellbeing. Kate is driven to help individuals and organisations master the right skills and strategies to thrive and achieve success now and in the future.
From schools to board rooms, Kate guides real behaviour change not only by sharing evidence-based tools, she walks the talk. A high-performance mindset is a mental tool for increasing competence and self-improvement to excel in a high-pressure environment.
Gain insight into examples of elite athlete mindset, overcoming adversity, navigating change and embracing the journey along the way. Learn how you can adopt the high-performance mindset to achieve new levels of growth, innovation and success.
Here are eight notable facts about Kate Naess:
Dual Career: Kate Naess is an elite athlete, and registered psychologist, balancing her professional career with her sports achievements (she also balances this with the most important role, being a mum!)
Paralympian: She represented Australia in the paratriathlon at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, showcasing her versatility and athletic prowess.
Equestrian Background: Before transitioning to paratriathlon, Kate was a successful para-equestrian, competing in international competitions and earning recognition in the sport.
Lived experience of disability: Kate was born with a congenital limb deficiency, which has shaped her journey and inspired many through her resilience and determination.
Advocate for Inclusivity: She is an advocate for people with disabilities, promoting awareness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities in sports and beyond.
Transition & Change: Her successful transition from para-equestrian to paratriathlon demonstrates her adaptability and commitment to excelling in different disciplines.
International Competitions: Throughout her career, she has represented Australia in numerous international events, bringing pride to her country and raising the profile of para-sports.
Personal Resilience & Mindset: Kate's journey is marked by personal resilience and a never-give-up attitude, making her a role model for aspiring athletes and individuals facing challenges.