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2016 Triathlete of the Year: Women...

Thursday, 13 October 2016 23:10

2016 MINNESOTA MULTISPORT AWARDS - Today we reveal the official nominees for Female TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR. They are:

HANNA GRINAKER (28, St. Paul) - This sensational rookie triathlete won four of the eight tris she entered, two in course record time. She excelled at sprint, Olympic and half IM and her CR at Lake Waconia is nominated for Performance of the Year....

KORTNEY HAAG (37, Maple Grove) - The former Rookie of the Year (2008) and Most Improved winner (2009) won two of the six triathlons she raced in, including a course record effort at Buffalo Olympic and her 4:36 at Superior Man, which are being considered for POY nominations.

DIANE HANKEE (39, Lino Lakes - photo R with daughter) - Diane rocked the national 70.3 circuit in 2016, turning in excellent efforts at St. George, Muncie (2nd - 4:38:51), Steelhead (3rd - 4:41:32), as well as Liberty (1st - 4:42:30). Her fast 2nd place performances at Lake Waconia (1:31:42) and Toughman Sprint (1:23:00) were also notable.

CHRISTINA ROBERTS (30, St. Louis Park) - In seven tri starts in 2016, Roberts won three times and never missed the podium. Racing exclusively in our state's most competitive events, Christina's speed and consistency were remarkable. Her course record win at Timberman is being considered for a Performance of the Year nomination.

Female TOY was a contentious category. The Committee members argued for weeks before deciding on its selections. GABY BUNTEN, ERIN HYNDMAN-FARRENS, DANI VSETECKA and SUZIE FOX also received serious consideration in this category.

The MMAs will be presented at Tri Night '16 on November 12 at Gear West Bike & Triathlon in Long Lake. Admission is free but space is limited, so attendees are asked to register. - LINK -

Top Photo (L-R) - Hanna Grinaker, Kortney Haag (and Iggy), Christina Roberts.