FEATURES

Where Were Those Guys in 2024?

Monday, 16 December 2024 00:10

It amazes us sometimes that our little flyover state has so much triathlon talent. The MMHs are designed to highlight that fact and to remind our state's tri community that the standards set here are something we should all be proud of. And the truth is that there is a plethora of tri talent that didn't race at all in 2024, or not often enough to get recognized alongside those who support the system by racing three or more times during the season. We want to talk about some of those people now, because it would be wrong to forget them. So, in alpha order, here are some of the men that fit the description. (The women will be highlighted in a later post.)

Marcus Duval, 33, Minneapolis - This guy is the real deal, but his racing frequency has kept him from getting the recognition he would deserve if he raced in at least three tris during a single season. He raced twice in 2024,  a decisive and fast win at Manitou Olympic, and a close third (3 seconds!) at Trinona Olympic. His one effort in '23 produced a win at Square Lake Short Course.

Stuart Gildea, 24, Minneapolis - Most Improved Male Triathlete in '22, who also had solid results in 2023, did not race on Minnesota soil in 2024. He may have obtained a pro license and is racing in prize money events in other states.

Henry Jessen, 28, St. Louis Park - Former Minnesota Rookie of the Year, Henry excels in National events, as her proved in '21 and '22. His 2023 resume was lean (2 races), and his efforts were not his best. He raced once in 2024, albeit recreationally (43rd at Lake Minnetonka).

Jake Keehan, 36, Maple Grove - A great endurance athlete, Jake races in tris rarely, though always with impressive results. His single race in 2024  produced a 3rd at Chisago (4:16:38). His only event in 2023: 4th at Maple Grove Olympic (1:56:57). His one race in 2022: 2nd amateur at Maple Grove (1:55:12)....

Andrew Kershaw, 30, Minneapolis - Andrew hasn't had a three race tri resume since 2022, when he won the Most Improved MMH. He had two outstanding resuts in 2023, one more of which would have landed him squarely on Team Minnesota, and zero starts in 2024.

AJ Manning, 36, Fargo - A national class talent, his homestate's numero uno male triathlete, didn't race tris last season, concentrating instead on running, which he did at an elite level.

Josh Mork, 39, Lino Lakes (photo) - We miss this guy. He hasn't done a tri since 2022, after an outstanding career, especially since his breakout season in 2017. His resume features seven Ws and racked up countless podium finishes.

Kevin O'Connor, 52, Hamel - A true Minnesota Multisport pioneer with thirty years of national level performances. He's a legend. Since 2020, though, he hasn't raced more than twice in a season, and diddn't raced at all in 2023 and 2024.

Other stars who have raced sparingly, if at all, in the last two years include, Karl Nygren, John Shelp, Kris Spoth, Kyle Swenson, and David Thompson. It's fun to imagine a season where all of these guys are healthy and active on the Minnesota tri scene. Our hope is that at least some of these athletes race in 2025.