BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: Kathryn Moon, widely known as Katie Moon, is an exceptional track and field athlete hailing from the United States, specializing in pole vault competitions. With her remarkable skills and determination, she has risen to become the reigning Olympic and world champion in her discipline. As she gears up to compete at the World Athletic Championships in Budapest on Saturday, August 19, the world waits in eager anticipation to witness her prowess once again.
Dominating streak
Earlier this month, the final of the women's vault event showcased Moon's dominance as she soared above the competition, achieving a world-leading and season's best clearance of 4.90m/16'0 1/2″. Her outstanding performance set her apart from her peers, with Sandi Morris securing second place with a top mark of 4.61m/15'1 1/2″. The high school phenom Hana Moll also impressed by securing her spot in the team with a personal best clearance of 4.61m/15'1 1/2″. Additionally, Bridget Williams, the 4th place athlete with a clearance of 4.61m/15'1 1/2″, will join Moon in Budapest.
Moon's journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. She clinched the Olympic gold medal with a remarkable mark of 4.90m at the Tokyo Games, which were postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. Notably, her achievements extend to the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, where she earned a silver medal with a vault of 4.75m in March 2022. Later that year, at the World Championships in Oregon, she emerged victorious with a vault of 4.85m, setting a championship record.
Who is Katie Moon's husband?
Away from the track, Katie Moon has a heartwarming love story with her husband, Hugo Moon. The couple first crossed paths in Pullman, Washington, back in 2018. They initially connected on the dating app Tinder when Hugo was pursuing his master's degree and coaching the club rowing squad at Washington State University, while Katie was preparing for a pole vault competition at the same university. Their love blossomed, and Hugo decided to join the family permanently during a Thanksgiving gathering. Although he never had the chance to formally ask Katie to marry him, she eagerly accepted the ring he presented and put it on her finger. They exchanged their vows on December 31, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in a joyous New Year's Eve celebration. While the couple does not have children at the moment, they share the love and companionship of a pet dog.
Hugo Moon, originally from England, has an impressive background in rowing. He excelled as a cox and competed with Bedford School's 1V8 during his junior and senior years. Hugo's passion for rowing continued as he coxed Star Club to the Thames Cup final at Henley Royal Regatta and claimed the Jackson Trophy the following year. His rowing journey carried on as he coxed for Birmingham University, participating in the club's 1V8 and 1V4 at the British University Championships. Hugo's coaching career began by working with young boys at Canford School, and he later moved on to Warwick University, where he contributed to the women's team's success at WeHORR, setting a club record.
In pursuit of his coaching ambitions, Hugo eventually relocated to Gainesville after spending two years at Washington State University. During his time there, he coached the WSU Club Women's team while pursuing a master's degree in sport management. Under his guidance, the team achieved victory at Head of the Lake and secured medals at the ACRA National Championships in 2018 and 2019. Currently, Hugo holds the position of head coach and director of rowing at Ganesville Area Rowing Inc, a role he has held since 2019, following his tenure as Washington State University's Club Women's Rowing Head Coach, per SportsLumo.
Mental health advocacy
Before embarking on her illustrious athletic career, Katie Moon received her education at Olmsted Falls High School. She then furthered her academic pursuits at Ashland University, where she honed her skills as an athlete while obtaining a holistic education. Beyond her sporting achievements and marriage, Moon has been a vocal advocate for mental health. In March, she openly discussed her own mental health journey while speaking at Quaker Station at The University of Akron. She emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues and dispelled the misconception that success equates to a life free from challenges. Moon shared her personal struggles, including the loss of her father, Mark, when she was only 16, and how she faced adversity and emotional difficulties at various points in her life. “I just want to show that it's not smooth sailing, even for people that achieved what I did,” she told the Beacon Journal. “People see winning the Olympics and assume everything has to be perfect to make that happen and that things have to be perfect to achieve whatever goal they want to achieve. It's like, no, no. That's not how life works.”
During the Tokyo Games, she experienced what is commonly referred to as "post-Olympic depression," but her psychology degree from Ashland University equipped her to seek help from a sports psychiatrist. Moon passionately advocates seeking support for mental health and encourages others to realize that it's normal to ask for help when needed. To her, seeking help demonstrates strength rather than weakness. “It's OK to seek help,” she said. “That's normal, and it doesn't make you weak. If anything, I think it shows strength if you can admit, 'OK, I need to talk to someone.'” As the World Athletic Championships in Budapest draw near, the world eagerly awaits Katie Moon's performance on the track.
