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)....

2024 MMHs - Full List...

Saturday, 14 December 2024 00:10

Here is the full list of 2024 Minnesota Multsport Honorees. Next to each name in parentheses is the number of MMHs that athlete has won thus far in their triathlon careers.

2024 TRIATHLETES OF THE YEAR - Preston Youngdahl (6) & Caryn Wikman (2)

2024 MALE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - Preston Youngdahl (6) - Course Record at Maple Grove Olympic...

2024 Team Minnesota...

Wednesday, 04 December 2024 00:10

2024 Multisport Honors - As in 2023, MTN is posting a "tiered" version of Team Minnesota 2024. Note that the tier members are listed alphabetically, and not ranked numerically. This eliminates some of the inherent controversy. To earn a berth, athletes need to uphold historical performance standards in at least three races during the season.

Here are the teams:

Women:

1. CARYN WIKMAN, Captain

2-4 (alpha) - ELENA JASPER, HEATHER LENDWAY, BECKY YOUNGBERG

5-7 (alpha) - CAMI ECKHOFF, TIFFANY KARI CIZMAS, CHERYL ZITUR

8 - 10 (alpha) - KATIE DEREGNIER, KADIE HOKANSON,VANESSA NAGEL

HM - ANDREA MYERS ...

Preston & Caryn are 2024 Triathletes of the Year!

Sunday, 01 December 2024 00:10

By Simon

2024 Minnesota Multisport Honors - Selecting the male and female recipients of the 2024 TRIATHLETES OF THE YEAR was easy-peasy (a cringy expression). Both selections were slam-dunks.

Men:

PRESTON YOUNGDAHL, 33, Plymouth -It's a three-peat for Preston. Only Matt Payne and Cathy Yndestad have earned more consecutive TOYs, and Youngdahl could match their streaks if he wins again next year.

In 2024, he continued to beundefeated against in-state competition, and most of his performances were POY nomination-worthy. (His CR at Maple Grove Olympic won the POY!). He also raced in Texas at Ironman 70.3 Waco, where he placed 4th overall (4:15:25).

Sean Cooley and Nathan Kim had awesome seasons and richly deserved their nominations.

Preston's Season:

1st @ Apple Triathlon - 1:10:47

1st @ Trinona Olympic - 1:55:37

1st @ Lake Minnetonka - 55:13...