What It Takes to Win: Inside the Mindset and Training of Katniss Paris

Welcome to Training Chats with Aloha Athletics! This week, we’re diving into a conversation with the amazing Katniss Paris, who just clinched gold at the ICF Sprint Championship. Our hosts, Lindsey Tilton and Casey McCullough, sat down with Katniss to talk about her journey—from hesitant beginner to world-class paddleboarder—and the mindset and training that helped her get there.

How It All Started
Katniss’s love for stand-up paddleboarding didn’t happen overnight. In fact, her first experience wasn’t exactly magical.

“I was definitely not into it at first,” Katniss laughs, admitting she wasn’t sold on the sport initially. But thanks to a friend and, eventually, the right board, everything changed. That small shift turned paddleboarding from a “meh” activity into a lifelong passion.

Overcoming Challenges on the Big Stage
At the ICF Sprint Championship, Katniss faced some serious challenges, including a scary asthma attack that took her out of the technical race after the first heat.

It was a tough moment, but Katniss didn’t let it define her. Instead, she regrouped, leaned into her love for the sport, and went on to dominate the sprint race, taking home the gold.

“There’s just so much that can be completely out of your control,” she shared. “But I kept my focus and turned things around when it mattered.”

Sprints Are Her Sweet Spot
When the sprint event distance changed from 200 meters to 100 meters, Katniss leaned in. She’s built for and trained for quick, explosive power, and this shorter distance was the perfect fit for her strengths.

Her Unique Training Style
Katniss doesn’t follow a traditional training program. Instead, her sessions are short, intense, and dialed in to build the explosive power she’s known for. Think weighted pull-ups and aerial strap exercises—workouts designed to complement her athletic style. Katniss has a background in circus sport and utilizes this in her training sessions on and off the water.

What’s Next for Katniss
Looking ahead, Katniss is excited to branch out into sprint canoeing while continuing to compete in international paddleboarding events. For her, it’s all about keeping things fun and staying connected to the sport she loves.

Want to follow Katniss’s adventures? You can find her on Instagram at @Katniss_Volant.

Her story is full of lessons on resilience, finding your groove, and staying true to your unique style. Don’t miss this episode of Training Chats—it’s one for the books!

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.