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Erin's Best Season Ever...

Tuesday, 06 December 2016 23:10

Yesterday we discussed the selection of Junior of the Year, which we referred to as an "In-between" category, that is, one that is neither a slam dunk, nor controversial.

Today we'll talk about the women's Most Improved selection, which was also perceived to be a 'Tweener category.

The Selectors agreed that Erin Hyndman-Farrens (photo) and Diane Hankee were the two most viable MI candidates. Angela Kidd  had raced well, but her volume was low and her ultimate Team MInnesota placement was in the 15th-16th area. Dani Vsetecka would have made Team Minnesota in 2015 had not her scorecard featured performances from 2014, thus her making the Team in 2016 was expected.

Hyndman-Farrens won the award because she made Team Minnesota (#7) for the first time, though she had come very close on two prior occasions. Low racing volume is what had kept her off in the past. Boosting her selection was the fact that she set personal bests in Olympic distance, half IM and full IM. Her 10:02:29 at Ironman Louisville was nominated for Performance of the Year....

As for Hankee, she placed 2nd on Team Minnesota. A perennial member of the Team, her best prior placement was 4th in 2013. Moving up two spots is a big deal when you're already close to the top. 

In the end, though, making women's Team Minnesota is harder than ever and Erin had to outperform several perennial members in order to claim her spot.

All five Selectors chose Hyndman-Farrens as their MI.