On this week’s episode, Kathryn and Kristi are joined by Life Time Grand Prix U23 athlete Samanth Johnson. Samanth (yes, without the “a”) is from Louisville KY, and she tells us the unique story behind her name - although she’s happy to just be called Sam too. New to the U23 Grand Prix this year, Sam cut her teeth in the world of collegiate cycling. She discusses the ins and outs of the world of collegiate cycling in the US, and shares how she moved from crit racing into gravel and ultra-endurance, including results at Southern Cross, Leadville, and Unbound 100 with Lunch Box Racing.

Sam is an alumni of Milligan University, and her community was tragically affected by the death of two cyclists, and hospitalization of many others just weeks ago as a result of a motor vehicle collision with a group of Milligan cyclists while they were out on a ride. The tragedy happened just days before Gravel Worlds, and she discusses the difficulty in deciding whether to race or not in Nebraska, and why she decided to race in her Milligan cycling kit. Sam shares how the Milligan community responded after the crash, including overwhelming support for the injured students and their families.

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