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2026 Name-Dropping...

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 00:10

Some things we'd like to see in 2026, along with a few predictions:

PRESTON YOUNGDAHL (photo) - Our state's runaway Triathlete of the Year in '22, '23 and '24, wherein he won 15 of the 19 races he entered, only raced twice in 2025. Willl he return to 2024 form this season? 

NATHAN KIM - Minnesota's Triathlete of the Year 2025, we've watched Nathan's 70.3 personal best go from 4:41 in 2023 to 4:05 last year. Will he be our state's first amateur triathlete to legitimately post a sub-4?

PAIGE SCHULZ - Our female Triathlete of the Year in '25, she comes into this season with a 70.3 personal best of 4:34:48. Will she break 4:30 this year? He PR improved by eight minutes in 2024, and another six minutes last season. Impressive trajectory....

CARSON DEICHMAN, KYLER WILLIAMS and ALELINE ALTHAUS KOTILA - We are expecting huge seasons for these talented teenagers. We are predicting multiple overall wins and junior records for this trio.

They were impressive last year and we expect to see them be even more competitive against Minnesota's best this season. We are talking about EASTON SYVERTSON, AMY PREUSSER, JOHN BODEAU and NICK JASMER.

Who will "break-out" in 2026, that is, who will find themselves "on the radar?" A couple of possiibilities include KAITSEY BAKER, BRIDGET TETMEYER and WHITNEY HODGE.