Karen Smyers

In August, Smyers had another surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes and then began radioactive-iodine therapy, joking, "I will be able to read in bed without a night light." After the surgery, her daughter, Jenna, wore Band-Aids on her neck just like her mother.

Smyers continued to train and compete throughout 2001, bringing home several wins, including her seventh U.S.A. Elite National Championship and first place in the 2001 U.S.A. Triathlon pro championships at the first New York City Triathlon. She also took fifth place at the Hawaiian Ironman. Trek Bicycles gave her the Trek Arete Comeback Athlete Award, given to athletes who have overcome tremendous obstacles while pursuing their goals.

In December 2001, Smyers's annual checkup showed no cancer, to her great relief. She told Swim Magazine that it was immensely helpful to her as she battled cancer to hear about others who have survived serious illnesses and are thriving and competing. She now participates in such events as the Against the Tide swim, which raises money to fight breast cancer.

At age forty-one and still competing in 2002, Smyers had a bladder problem during the final leg of the 2002 Hawaiian Ironman, although she did finish the tough race when many others could not; she placed 27th. Her older sister Donna, also a triathlete, set a record for the event in the women's 45-49 age group.

Karen Smyers is truly an Iron Woman, one who has proven her strength and endurance in both the triathlon and in her personal life. She told Runner's World Magazine, "If there's one thing I want to pass on to my daughter, it's the strength of perseverance." She also said, "I'd feel incomplete if I didn't have sports. I absolutely love competition. It's been my life."