State triathlete to receive courage award from Alliance

Karen Newman of Old Greenwich, who overcame breast cancer to become one of the world’s top age group triathletes, will receive this year’s Bob Casey Courage Award from the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance at its 72nd Gold Key Dinner on Sunday, April 28 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

Newman, 51, was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 18, 2008. She did not, however, let the medical crisis deter her from competing in triathlons.

In fact, she had one of her best years ever in 2012, finishing eighth in the women’s 50-54 age group in the sprint distance of the USA Triathlon National Championships in August. In October, at the International Triathlon Union Age Group Sprint World Championships in New Zealand, Newman finished second in her age division.

Newman has been a long-time competitor on the triathlon circuit and has represented the U.S. in international competitions numerous times.

Learn more about Karen’s achievements.

Tickets to the 2013 Gold Key Dinner, which begins at 4 p.m., can be purchased by contacting either CSWA President George Albano of The (Norwalk) Hour at (203) 434-2320 or Vice President and Dinner Chairman Bob Ehalt of The New Haven Register at [email protected].