An Interview with Virginia Ogburn

Interview by Kamryn Burton

Virginia Ogburn is a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill double majoring in Hispanic linguistics and chemistry. Virginia races nationally and internationally with the U23 Paratriathlon Team USA, and in June, she won the 2024 USA Paratriathlon National Champion title! Wisteria team member Kamryn sat down with Virginia to talk about her early beginnings with triathlon racing, para-athlete representation, and plans for the future.

Kamryn Burton: How/when did you first get involved in triathlons?
Virginia Ogburn: My dad has done triathlons my entire life, and so I did my first kiddie super sprint when I was 9, and then I did a few more kiddie super sprints. I started doing local races in high school, even though I was running cross country and track. And then when I got to UNC, I was burnt out from just running, so I turned back to train for a race, joined the UNC club team, and got noticed by somebody high up, somehow.

KB: What pushed you to compete at this level? You did the kiddie triathlons when you were younger, and I’m sure it was inspiring seeing your dad do it, but that’s a whole other level than competing on a national team. What made you take the big step?

VO: First of all, I never would have thought that I could be a member of Team USA. That seems like something so outlandish and crazy, so when I was given the opportunity, obviously, I had to take it. I was like, “Oh my god, this is something that I never would have been able to do.” And the thing about triathlon is it takes so many hours. You're putting in so much of your time every single day, so if I didn't like doing it, I wouldn't. There's no point in continuing to do it if I don't enjoy it. So even though I'm getting up super early, staying up late, and putting in a lot of hours daily, I enjoy putting in the work. Racing is such a small part of it. You're only racing for an hour and 15 minutes every few months, you know? So all the work you put in behind that is really what you have to enjoy – you can't just enjoy the racing.

KB: I love it; it’s all about the journey! Did you have role models who you looked up to along the way? Did you know anyone growing up who did para triathlons? Or would you consider yourself a role model for aspiring para-athletes?

VO: Do I feel like I’m a role model? No, I feel like I’m not qualified! But growing up with one hand, there was nobody like me. I never knew another person in my life with one hand. And in TV and media, it's always like they slap an able-bodied person in a wheelchair to meet a diversity quota. I went to a camp in Colorado at the US Olympic Training Center and was immediately surrounded by all these people with different disabilities. It was freeing because I relate to them so much in a way that nobody else in my life here understands, you know? It's so crazy and interesting; I feel like I've unlocked this whole community that I've never been able to be a part of through paratriathlon and the U23 team. And so if I can help other people find that, that would be lovely, but I still feel like I'm not a role model.

KB: You don't feel qualified to be a role model, but becoming a national champion in this sport is huge, and I feel like you should have a larger platform. The visibility of para-athletes and coverage of para-events are close to none. Do you have any insights on para-athlete representation and how we can increase it?

VO: It is awful. The Paralympics are the pinnacle of sport for a different population that isn’t represented in the Olympics, but they downplay it. Another thing that people don't understand is that it's called the Paralympics because it runs parallel to the Olympics, not because it's any worse or less important. These athletes have worked just as hard as Olympians if not harder, to not only become the best at their sport but also overcome the disability they have. And so ultimately, it sucks to see people not watching it because these are elite athletes and it's awesome and just as entertaining. Paraprofessional athletes don't get the same representation, sponsors, or branding. So it means that kids like me growing up aren’t going to see themselves, and it's really hard. But it's something that will grow with more exposure and media. I also think logistically, it would be so hard to have the Paralympics and the Olympics at the same time because you’d have so many athletes. But I don't know if there's a way we could include a Paralympic event at the same time so you could get the TV coverage. I know the Diamond League, which is a track League, has started to include one para event in their able-bodied meets, so people watch it. And then people don't even know that in addition to the classic sports, there are unique para-sports, like wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball, that they don't even have in the Olympics. I don't have an answer to how you improve representation, other than talking about it, getting the word out there, and giving these athletes sponsors and better platforms.

KB: Yeah, we need to get to the point where we recognize the talent, hard work, and perseverance of these athletes. There’s no clear-cut, overnight fix to the lack of representation and appreciation, but we should have these conversations more often. I think another key part of representation is mentors. Before meeting the U23 team, what mentors guided you on your journey?

VO: I had mentors in Charlotte, like my track coaches at Myers Park, and people I would do triathlons with. And then I have professional athletes I looked up to like Grace Norman. Seeing her work her ass off every day is very inspiring. Carson Clough is a friend of mine from Charlotte; he's actually competing in Paris and he’s helped me a lot. I couldn't be where I am right now without him, and seeing him compete at the Paralympics is sick. 

KB: That is incredible. You have #luckyfinsrock in your Instagram bio, a slogan of the Lucky Fin Project. What’s your involvement or connection with the organization?

VO: Yeah, so, the Lucky Fin Project was started by a couple whose daughter was born without a hand. They built the community as a support network for parents whose kids were born with one hand, and one of their mottos is “Lucky Fins Rock,” finding inspiration from Nemo. They're the only group that specifically builds community around congenital limb differences. I haven't done a ton with the organization, but it's a group I identify with, and I’m definitely interested in becoming an ambassador in the future. My platform is not quite big enough yet.

KB: But I can't wait for the day it is! Speaking of platform building, what are your next steps or next races?

VO: In September, I'm going to a training camp in Colorado to prepare for the race in Portugal in October. And then the season kickoff race will be in March 2025 in Miami. I'll be grinding on “Go, go, go” mode, trying to pick up as many World Cup points as possible. For triathlon, you pick up individual points from races, and they qualify you for a slot to represent your country at the Paralympics. As of right now, my goal is to compete in the LA Paralympics – Paris came a little too soon.

KB: OMG, watch out LA! I can’t wait to cheer you on, and on behalf of the whole Wisteria team, I’m so proud of you! Is there anything else people should know about paratriathlon or your experience becoming a national champion?

VO: I mean, I've put in a lot of work, but I'm also very lucky that things have happened the way they have. So, it's a mix of hard work and luck. I’m not naturally athletic or fast. I was always the slowest in swimming, and I played goalie in soccer because I didn’t like running and wasn’t very good at it. So, I’ve really had to work to get where I am. But ultimately, my hard work wouldn't have mattered without being lucky as well, so I’m just grateful.

Keep up with Virginia and her races on Instagram @vogburn26 !!