A Willetton triathlete who has spent more than decades inspiring athletes has been inducted into the 2026 WA Women’s Hall of Fame.
Kate Bevilaqua, recognised in the Sport category, was among 16 women inducted during a ceremony at Government House Ballroom last week, attended by Governor Chris Dawson and Minister for Women’s Interests Simone McGurk.
The annual recognition celebrates women from across WA who have made significant contributions in fields including sport, education, health, business, community and the arts.
Bevilaqua said the honour came as a surprise.
“The first contact was a phone call about five weeks before the awards letting me know that I had been nominated and was a ‘Finalist’ in the Sport category,” she said.
“I was overwhelmed with just that conversation but to be actually inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame – I still have no words for it.
“It all still seems a little surreal at the moment. Such an honour that brings a smile to my face every time I think about it.”
Bevilaqua has lived in Willetton for more than 35 years and said the suburb has always felt like home.
“I have memories of a Drive in Movie Theatre down the road and attending a Blue Light Disco at the Bill Cole Centre,” she said.
“I have always loved living in this location. Everything I need is close by and if not, there is easy access.
“The proximity to the river is great for running. Straight up Willeri and you can get onto the Roe Highway and Freeway bike paths.”
Her career in triathlon has taken her around the world, but the local area has remained central to her training and daily life.
A champion triathlete across Ironman and Ultraman events, Bevilaqua is a three-time Ironman champion, seven-time Half Ironman and 70.3 champion, and a three-time Ultraman champion including Ultraman World Champion.
One of her most notable achievements, she said came when she became the first woman to win an Ultraman event outright, finishing ahead of all male competitors.
Despite those achievements, she believes the recognition also reflects the work she has done supporting others.
“I would like to think the recognition goes beyond my achievements on the race course and include coaching and mentoring athletes of all ages and abilities,” she said.
“Trying to be a constant reminder that with hard work and commitment we are all capable of achieving so much more than we think.”
Several milestones still stand out from her racing career. Her first Ironman WA in 2010 remains one of the most memorable.
“This was my first Ironman victory and a ‘home’ race for me,” she said.
“To have won that race in front of friends and family is something that can’t be replicated anywhere in the world.”
Another defining moment for Bevilaqua came during the Ultraman 520 event in Canada, a demanding three-day race involving a 10km swim and 150km cycle on the first day, a 275km ride on day two and an 84km run on the final day.
Bevilaqua said local clubs and facilities also played an important role during her early years in the sport.
“When my triathlon journey began, I was part of the Southside Triathlon Club which was based out of Lynwood Senior High School,” she said.
“These days I feel lucky to have everything I need close to home.”
She trains regularly at Riverton Leisureplex with fellow triathletes who meet several mornings a week, and also takes part in local Parkrun events at Shelley and Canning.
Reflecting on the Hall of Fame ceremony, Bevilaqua said hearing the stories of the other inductees was inspiring.
“I was in awe of all the amazing women that were inducted and loved hearing everyone’s stories and experiences that led to their recognition,” she said.
She hopes the recognition encourages young women to believe in what they can achieve.
“Just give it a go and do it,” she said.
“We are so lucky in this area to have access to facilities and locations that allow you to swim, bike and run.
“You just never know where it might lead.”
