By: Roxane Kippen, Multisport Team Captain
It is very hard to believe that another triathlon season is coming to an end. This year has been another of hard work and much success for Team OAM NOW multisport athletes. The best part about my role as a team captain is celebrating the victories of our outstanding group of triathletes.
Our multisport team members range in age from 19 years old to flirting with retirement and each decade in between is well represented. We are a diverse group made up of teachers, students, attorneys, and finance, IT and engineering professionals. A healthy balance of all life has to offer is important to us. On top of things like work, school, family and other worthy causes; we find time to train, race and promote active lifestyles by volunteering in our communities.
As I look back at our stats from two years ago, I am amazed at the growth in the numbers. We have nearly doubled in team members and have gone from competing in 24 different triathlon events and a total of 50 triathlon finishes to competing in 31 events with over 90 finishes. Of the 90 finishes, over two thirds resulted in top 3 podiums. There were 61 podiums in 2016 versus 37 podiums in 2014, including 11 first place overall finishes.
First Place Overall Finishes in 2016
Danielle Nye Gull Lake Sprint Triathlon
Elaine Sheikh Bear Lake Olympic Triathlon
Tri Del Sol
Michigan Titanium Olympic Triathlon
Jeff Nordquist Seahorse Triathlon
Grand Rapids Triathlon Olympic Aquabike
John Meyers Double Time Duathlon
Shermanator Duathlon
Kathy Braginton Gull Lake Triathlon Masters
Shermanator Triathlon Masters
Todd Anthes Gull Lake Olympic Triathlon
Other highlights for the season include Tammy Shuler’s perfect 8 for 8 age group wins, Elaine Sheikh’s double top 10 finish at USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals in both the Sprint and Olympic distances for the second year in a row, Lindsey Lilley’s top 5 overall finish at Michigan Titanium, her first iron distance event ever and Brian Reynolds’ top 10 overall finish at Ironman Wisconsin, his first iron distance event ever. In addition, Danielle Nye and Elaine Sheikh represented Team USA at the ITU World Age Group Championships this weekend in Cozumel, Mexico!
As a team we have a common goal to balance work, life and sport. We are a family and love to share in each other’s successes and encourage each other through challenges and setbacks. While we always enjoy being on the podium, the journey is more often a larger victory. We are thankful we have such great sponsors that support us in doing what we love and allow us to be proud stewards of the sport.
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