It was a great day for MBE athletes at one of the first triathlons of the season. 5 athletes competed, 4 in the olympic distance and one in the 1500m swim.
Many collegiate athletes from around the country came down to Clermont to prep for the Collegiate National Championship on April 17th, so it made for some great competition. Maybe that's why they call it the Great Clermont.
Big Nic Tautiva who was in 2nd most of the race, put together his best olympic distance performance to date, and placed a close 3rd only 2.5 minutes down from the first place finisher, a USAT 2016 Team member.
Kevin Anderson placed 4th in his age group with a strong performance and is soon on his way to St. Croix for a big half IM event.
Tim Palyukh who was limited by a cramp in his calf and upper leg after only 10 min into the swim, perservered through the bike and run. Disappointed on the day, however not worried, Tim knows his fitness and what he is capable of and will seek to demonstrate that at St. Anthony's in a few weeks.
Ciara Hopkins conquered the chaotic two loop swim, doing the 1500m event. Results are not posted.
And finally new to the triathlon scene and the olympic distance, Natalie Kirchoff, surprised her coach with a 3rd overall finish among the woman. She posted a swim time that competed with the top male times, and on the run she beat her stand alone 10K run time by 3 minutes.
Both Nic and Natalie qualified for the Best of the US Competition in October out in Mission Viejo, California. They will represent Florida.
It was an exciting day for me, and only a taste of what is to come in the season ahead.
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