Christine Wodke, a retired engineer and devoted triathlete, epitomises the unwavering spirit and resilience of Masters sports. Her sporting journey took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease in 2011.

Despite this life-altering challenge, Christine’s dedication to triathlons has only strengthened.

Her passion for the sport and desire to raise awareness for CMT recently led her to the IMGA Pan-American Games in Cleveland.

Christine shares her story with us, touching on her disease, her love of sport, and her experience at the IMGA Pan-American Games.

Can you give us a little introduction about yourself and your favourite sport?

My name is Christine Wodke, and I am a retired engineer living in Milwaukee. I started my competitive life as a rower and long-distance runner. I found I could not run every day without getting injured, so I started swimming and cycling to cross train. 

I had already started competing in triathlons when I was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a genetic neuromuscular condition like MS in 2011. 

When I was diagnosed, I set the goal to run the Boston Marathon and my other efforts to compete as a para-athlete started at the same time. I wrote the book “Running for My Life-Winning for CMT” about my goal to run Boston.

You competed at the IMGA Pan-American Games in Cleveland – did you enjoy it?

The race in Cleveland was lots of fun. It was a beautiful course in Edgewater Park along Lake Erie. The best part of the race was meeting with other athletes.

What has been the key to sustaining your love of playing of sport until now?

The key has been to be consistent in working out at least six days a week. Because of my CMT, I cross train to avoid injury. I stay motivated by remembering I race to raise awareness of CMT, a condition that affects over 160,000 Americans.

That is about as many as MS but most people have not heard of it. I compete to put a face and name to this condition.

Any career highlights/favourite moments/greatest achievement?

Two years ago I competed in the International Triathlon Winter Triathlon Championship in Norway.  The race consisted of a run and Nordic ski. Because of my CMT I am not fast.  I was actually the last racer to finish, something that had never happened to me before.

Because there were only three women in our age group all I had to do to place 3rd was finish. Still, I felt pretty bad about being last. As I got to the finish line, I saw the entire U.S. team was waiting for me to cheer me in and get a team picture.

It meant so much to me.  It does not get better than that. I got a bronze medal and to be part of an awesome American team.

How has sport helped you in your battle with your disease?

I have Charcot-Marie-Tooth, not MS although they share some similarities.  CMT is the largest inherited neuromuscular disease. It causes the muscles to waste away because they are not getting normal nerve signals.  I inherited this condition from my dad. I share it with my sister, some cousins, and two of my nieces.

Patients when they were diagnosed used to be told to go home and not do anything. Doctors reasoned that exercise would cause the condition to accelerate.

When I was diagnosed, I had been an athlete for years.  I felt being active would help me to stay strong and retain function. I wanted to be a role model of living an active life.  Research has now shown that exercise is vital to maintain strength and function.

How important is staying active and competing in triathlons in Masters sports to your mental well-being?

When I have a race on my schedule, it makes me stay consistent in working out. I work out harder. I want to do my very best and be prepared. I would rather struggle in a workout, then struggle in a race.  After working out I always feel great both physically and mentally.

For me every workout and every race is a victory. Because of my CMT there will be a day when I might not be able to be active.

Being active helps me to face that. By enjoying each workout and celebrating each race, I am building up muscle and mental memories. That helps me to accept that someday that may change.

What is your advice to anyone considering pursuing masters sport?

Find a sport or activity that you love. That way you will stick with it. Be consistent in honing your skills and working out. Remember the reason why you are staying active. I share CMT with my sister and two nieces.  I remember them and people like them affected by CMT.

My goal is for everyone to have heard of CMT.

What was your favourite part of attending the Pan-American Games in Cleveland?

The bike course was really fun! It was my first trip to Cleveland and the course went past the Browns stadium and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was also fun visiting with other athletes at the start of the race and the award ceremony.