USA Triathlon has announced the 2009 Garmin Age Group Athletes of the Year and Accenture Paratriathletes of the Year.
Lee Zohlman, co-chairman of the USAT’s Age Group Commission, said the selections were “based on performances across various race distances, depth of fields and quality of races.” “We congratulate these athletes on their hard work and dedication and wish them the best in 2010," he said.
Overall Triathlete of the Year – Women
Cathy Yndestad, 31, Apple Valley, Minn.
Top Performances:
1st elite amateur at Lifetime Fitness Triathlon
1st in age group and 3rd overall at USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship
"Wow! Considering all the other outstanding amateur triathletes in contention for this award, I am truly honored and grateful,” Yndestad said. “I owe a great deal of thanks to my fellow competitors for keeping each race challenging and more importantly, for keeping it fun."
Overall Triathlete of the Year - Men
Chris Thomas, 37, Easton, Conn.
Top Performances:
1st overall at St. Anthony's
2nd amateur at 70.3 World Championship
"I have been competing in triathlon events for 10 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey,” Thomas said. “My wife's support has allowed me to chase my dreams.”
Masters Triathlete of the Year - Women
Linda Robb, 45, Juno Beach, Fla.
Top Performances:
1st in age group at USAT Age Group National Championship
2nd in age group at 70.3 World Championships
"There are so many incredible masters athletes in our sport which makes this very special,” Robb said. “I'd like to thank my husband, my coach and all of my training buddies for keeping it real and keeping it fun."
Masters Triathlete of the Year - Men
Doug Clark, 41, Morristown, N.J.
Top Performances:
1st in age group at Hawaii Ironman World Championship
2nd in age group / 1st American overall at ITU Short Course World Championships
"Having at some point been a middle-of-the-packer in all three disciplines, I hope I can offer some inspiration to others that perseverance and smart training can get you a long way without doing huge hours,” Clark said. “Having a full time job, most of my training last season was carried out during my commute or at lunchtimes and my daughter's nap times.”
Grand Masters Triathlete of the Year - Women
Lauren Binder, 62, Portland, Ore.
Top Performances:
1st in age group/ 2nd overall grandmaster at USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship
1st in age group at ITU World Championship in Gold Coast
"It's times like this when all the hard training and discipline pays off, but most of all, I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Binder said. “I am so thankful for all the emotional support from my partner, family, friends and USAT."
Grand Masters Triathlete of the Year - Men
Steve Smith, 62, Granger, Ill.
Top Performances:
1st in age group at USAT Age Group National Championship for the sixth consecutive year.
2nd in age group at 70.3 World Championship
"This really caught me off guard. Training with great friends, traveling to great places and competing with great athletes is the multisport lifestyle,” Smith said. “Game on!"
Junior Age Group Triathlete of the Year - Women
Kailand Cosgrove, 19, Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Top Performances:
1st in age group at St. Anthony's Triathlon
1st in age group at the Longhorn 70.3
"For the past seven years I have had a blast racing triathlons from which I leave with unforgettable experiences,” Cosgrove said. “For me, triathlon is not just a sport; it is a lifestyle that has shaped me as a person academically and athletically.”
Junior Age Group Triathlete of the Year - Men
Joseph Welsh, 19, Cordova, Tenn.
Top Performances:
1st in age gropup / 15th overall USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship
12th in age group at ITU World Championship in Gold Coast
"This past season, I've met some amazing people, enjoyed the hard work of brilliant race directors, and had fun every step of the way,” Welsh said.
Paratriathlete of the Year - Women
Sarah Reinertsen, 34, Mission Viejo, Calif.
Top Performances:
2nd at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships (
1st at ITU Triathlon World Championship
" I have been racing in triathlon for the past six years, and the paratriathlete division has grown tremendously,” Reinertsen said. “We have the most competitive field of women to date, so it's a true delight to receive this distinction."
Paratriathlete of the Year - Men
J.P. Theberge, 37, Carlsbad, Calif.
Top Performances:
1st at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships
1st at ITU Triathlon World Championship
"It is a honor to me, but also a tribute to the burgeoning paratriathlon movement which is making great strides around the world featuring talented disabled athletes,” Theberge said.