Athlete Bio
Katie Burnett
Katie Burnett is one of the USA's top race walkers. Not only did she set the American Record in the 50km at the 2017 World Championships en route to a 4th place finish, but she is consistently in the hunt for the podium in nearly every national race walking event at 20km and up. As for her path to professional race walking, it is less common than that of her fellow competitors. Though she earned a place on the USATF Junior Olympics team for the 3000 meter race walk, she was also accomplished in the throws, and actually opted to throw the javelin in her first year post-high school for the University of Arizona. It was after that year that she decided to make a move to the NAIA and rekindle her fire for race walking at William Penn University. Katie would graduate with a degree in Biology, a minor in Chemistry, and 7 All-American titles (6 in race walking and 1 in javelin).
Moving schools was not a foreign concept to Katie, as she states, "I went to 12 different schools K-12 in 3 different states: Washington, Oregon, and Arizona; 6 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, and 4 high schools."
Katie is extremely passionate in every endeavor, stating, "I really enjoy spending time outside, be it hiking, photography, bicycling or training. Even when the weather is bad, I have a hard time staying indoors. On the track I live for the sport. It's not just something I do, it's my life. Track has helped form me into a better person and provided me with irreplaceable friendships, so I give everything I can back to it." This is especially evident in Katie's off-the-track pursuits. As a paraeducator, she says, "For the students who I work with, I am caring and try to go the extra mile to help them succeed. I study their subjects with them so that I am able to help anyone who is struggling."
Katie currently trains with Harrier Track Club in Mountlake Terrace, WA.
