Karen Smyers

Upgrading to a better bike, Smyers entered the Bud Light Series triathlon in Boston, also in 1984, as an amateur. She finished first in her division and second over-all but missed out on the $500 prize money because of her amateur status. From then on, she entered triathlons as a professional, although still working at the computer firm until it closed in 1989. She then turned full-time pro and by the early 1990s began earning a six-figure income, including prize money and product endorsements for shoe, sportswear, and bicycle companies.

In 1989, Smyers placed fourth in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Triathlon World Championships. Then in 1990 she began a six-year first-place winning streak in the U.S.A. Triathlon Elite National Championships. She also won the ITU World Championship in 1990.

In the early 1990s, Smyers had been entering the shorter triathlons—the World Championship consists of a.9-mile swim, a 24.8-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run—but the longer and more grueling Ironman races began to intrigue her. First winning the St. Croix (Virgin Islands) International Half Ironman triathlon in 1992, 1993, and 1994, and placing in the top five in the Gatorade Ironman in 1993 and 1994, Smyers entered her first Hawaiian Ironman in 1994 and placed fourth. Her husband, film producer Michael King, also entered, as an amateur. Smyers's time in the 1994 Ironman was the fastest ever among women entering the race for the first time. She was hooked on the most challenging race in the sport.