Caitlin remembered as Sutton’s cyclists shine in Paris
There are entirely valid reasons why Gary Sutton is crying as he chats outside the Olympic velodrome outside Paris, during the track cycling program.
He has great pride in the success of the American women’s track endurance program, which won two gold in Paris and effectively another through Kristen Faulkner’s barnstorming ride in the women’s road race.
While a measured and calm personality, he could be forgiven for choking up over the stunning decision seven years ago to cut Sutton from the Australian cycling track program, where he coached their women’s track endurance riders.
Paris is also the swansong for this cycling obsessive’s last full-time role in the sport, after decades of involvement as a world champion rider and coach.
Semi-retirement deservedly awaits Sutton and his wife Deborah in Adelaide.
But it is a question about Kelly Caitlin that cuts him to the quick.
Caitlin was a polymath who played the violin, was an artist and studied maths, Chinese and engineering.
The American was also a gun cyclist, winning silver at the Rio Olympics and three world titles in the team pursuit.
She struggled after suffering concussion in a cycling accident and took her life in March, 2019. Caitlin was 23.
“She would have been here, or at least a good chance. It would have brought so much strength to the team … it’s emotional,” Sutton told AAP.
Caitlin’s family supports the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Her father Mark emailed Sutton after the US won the team pursuit at the Games.
“It’s a really tough time for them,” Sutton said.
“They’re beautiful people. I understand where they’re coming from.”
There were reminders everywhere at the velodrome that, actually, the Olympics are not everything.
Sutton once coached Melissa Hoskins, who died earlier this year. The Australian women’s track endurance squad remembered her, with Georgia Baker buying watches for each team member as a tribute.
So controversially losing his job and relocating to the United States seven years ago is small beans by comparison. And Sutton is the sort of coach who radiates perspective.
“The first year was pretty tough. You’re part of that system for many, many years and it hurt,” he said.
“But you have to move on when you’re in my position. Everything I do has been for USA, I’ve separated that now, which I’ve had to.
“My wife Deborah asked me yesterday, what’s the nicest message received after the TP? It was probably from (retired Australian rider) Amy Cure.”
Still, he does not mind admitting a certain satisfaction.
Others noted on social media during the Games that Sutton’s switch of national programs was not a shining moment for AusCycling.
“It was hard when I left, that’s the first thing – that was my motivation,” he said
“I thought ‘well, I can sit in the corner and cry, or get on with it and show people I still have a lot to bring to the sport’. I believe I have.
“But I’m also very conscious that I’ve been dealt some incredible athletes.”
The culture that Sutton oversees was articulated by Faulkner after her road race win.
Faulkner revealed she told her pursuit teammates that she would only ride for a medal, well aware it could compromise their track ambitions.
They promptly won gold in the pursuit as well, plus Valente successfully defended her omnium title.
“I don’t get overawed. I’ve been around too long. It’s what everyone does on the track, on the same day – that’s what really counts,” Sutton said.
Soon, Sutton will paint their Adelaide house and ponder what comes next.
“Everyone needs to have a purpose in life – whether it’s cycling or something else, it will be something,” he said.
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