Getting to know… Katie Hopkins – Episode 15
Episode 15 features one of the most well-known and well-liked members of our club — Katie Hopkins 
Always Be Confident (ABC)
It’s the mantra that’s stuck with Katie ever since her late coach Tom told her to remember her “ABCs” — and judging by her 16 years (and counting) with Woking AC, she’s lived by it ever since 
Katie joined the club back in 2009 and has pretty much done it all since — 800m, cross country, 10k, pole vault, heptathlon, you name it! (Though, to be fair, she’s drawn the line at hammer and discus — even Coach Kay Trinder’s powers of persuasion have limits 
).
A middle-distance specialist turned long-distance convert, Katie’s proudest moments include helping the Woking AC ladies stay in Division 1 of the Surrey Cross Country League for the past two seasons 
and representing the South of England over 800m at just 17 
Not that it’s all serious business — her true highlight of the year? The Christmas fancy-dress parkrun, obviously 
She describes Woking AC as “a bit of a weird extended family,” full of lifelong friends and unforgettable coaches 
Katie still carries lessons from both Tom and Nick Phipps — the late, much-loved pole vault coach who made training feel magical 
“I miss them loads,” she says, “and use the lessons they taught me in everyday life.”
When she’s not racing alongside her brother George (“it’s a great way to catch up 
”), Katie’s showing the next generation what WAC spirit looks like — all determination, resilience, perseverance and aspiration (yes, that exact line helped her ace a job interview earlier this month! 
).
Post-race, her celebrations swing between team drinks 
or a hot bath and Chinese takeaway 
— balance in action!
And as for her “not-so-fun fact”? Katie once got so lost on a run that she accidentally clocked a half-marathon and was reported missing to the police 
Lesson learned: she now always carries a phone, plans her routes and looks out for her fellow runners — because, as she says, “being a female runner, staying safe really matters.”
From fancy dress to fearless running, Katie embodies what makes Woking AC special — the confidence to try everything, the resilience to keep going, and the family to share it with
Editor’s note: Huge thanks to Katie for sharing her story — and her ABCs She’s also part of the brilliant team that organises our annual Club Awards Night — a job that takes huge effort behind the scenes. It says everything about her character: dedicated, community-minded, and focused on creating an environment where everyone can grow and discover their potential 
If we could clone Katie, we absolutely would 
But since science hasn’t caught up just yet, we’d love more ladies to join the team 
If this sounds like your kind of club, drop us a line — we’d love to welcome you to the team! 
seniors@wokingac.com