At just 14, Katrina Ee is making a name for herself in the male-dominated world of karting, both nationally and internationally.
Born to Malaysian and Hong Kong parents, Katrina's journey showcases her passion, perseverance, and determination to break barriers, proving that age and gender are no obstacles to chasing your dreams.
Starting Young: Katrina's Karting Journey
Katrina was first introduced to karting by her parents when she was only seven.
"They asked if I wanted to try, and I thought, 'Why not?'" Katrina recalls.
She started karting with her sister as a hobby, which soon evolved into a serious career goal. By nine, she had begun to compete in multiple races. When she won her first gold, she knew that she wanted to take this seriously, even though she was only nine at the time.
Her parents supported her wholeheartedly, and thus she continued to participate in larger races and build her karting career.
Outperforming Boys in a Male-Dominated Sport
Katrina remains determined and undeterred despite the challenges she faces as a young female racer in a predominantly male sport.
"Even though karting is male-dominated, it motivates me to outperform the boys. I honestly don't see any difference between male and female racers, and I'm determined to break boundaries and take risks."
One of her proudest moments came in 2019 when she won her first trophy and secured third place overall in the novice category of the Rotax Max Challenge Asia, coinciding with her dad's birthday.
In 2022, Katrina clinched the Junior Max championship title, and in 2023, she won multiple Asian karting titles, including:
- Rok Cup Asian Champion 2023
- Rotax Trophy Asian Champion 2023
- IAME Series Asia Champion 2023
Katrina credits her team for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
A Historic Achievement: First Asian Representative in the F1 Programme
Katrina reached another milestone when she was selected as the first Asian participant in the More than Equal Driver Development Programme, an initiative that aims to find and develop the first female F1 world champion.
"It makes me proud to represent Malaysia and show that women in Asia can excel in this sport," she expresses her gratitude and disbelief for the rare opportunity.
Facing Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Katrina has faced her share of discrimination and bullying in a sport often considered male-dominated.
"When I won the Asian championship, it felt like some people tried to push me out, especially the boys. Coupled with criticism, I was mentally knocked down. However, my parents taught me to rise above negativity."
Turning criticism into fuel, Katrina strives to improve herself, embracing the physical demands of the sport, with her eyes on competing with some of the world's best drivers.
Her family's unwavering support has been crucial for her to stay in the sport.
"They've been behind me from the start. My parents' advice to give my best shot because you never know when it might be your last time on the track keeps me focused and driven," she shared how her parents' advice has helped her stay focused and maximize every opportunity she has.
Balancing Education and Racing
Katrina has attended school in Kuala Lumpur since she was 10, and her teachers have been supportive of her karting commitment.
"I'm set to transition to online schooling in September, allowing me to focus more on honing my skills on the track while continuing my education."
Inspiring Others: Katrina's Advice
When asked about her role model in the karting world, Katrina named Sophia Floersch, a 24-year-old German racing sensation renowned for her skills in Formula Three and endurance races such as Le Mans.
When asked what advice she would give to other females aspiring to follow a similar path, Katrina shared:
"Take the leap and give it a try, but also listen to your parents they're your biggest supporters. Finding passion in what you do is crucial; it's what kept me going. Don't give up, even when it gets tough. Keep pushing forward, and you'll see how far determination can take you."
With plans to compete in races across Europe and the UK in 2024, Katrina is on her way to realizing her dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver. As she continues to achieve her goals, she inspires young girls everywhere to pursue their passions and succeed in the world of racing.
Source: WeirdKaya
