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Jan, Christel & Cheryl...

Wednesday, 11 October 2023 00:10

Photo - Cheryl & Christel demonstrating the art of making team heart fingers.

By Mav

GMOY – Women’s Nominees

As Goose has previously pointed out, Minnesota had several women aged 55 and better who rocked the 2023 triathlon season. Most are perennial household names who have been nominated for this award in the past, and a few are relatively new on the scene or had stepped up their game this season. Below, in alphabetical order, are Mav’s nominees for the 2023 Female Grand Master of the Year honor:

Jan Guenther: Jan, 64, from Long Lake, had 5 nomination-worthy performances. What impressed me most about her resume was her diversity in racing, successfully winning her age group at sprint, olympic, and half-iron distance races. She also consistently races at some of MN’s most competitive events, often only being beaten in the overall results by our state’s top athletes.

Christel Kippenhan: Christel, 57, from way up in Bemidji, outraced Guenther at both Maple Grove Olympic (4th overall) and at Lake Minnetonka Sprint (7th overall), although being 6 years younger than Jan. Her effort at Maple Grove Oly resulted in an age group record, and additionally she made the overall podium at Northwoods Sprint, placing 3rd. ...

Cheryl Zitur: Cheryl, 58, from Corcoran, focused on sprint distance racing this season but did so in impressive fashion. She was the overall winner three times, and placed 2nd overall twice. And yes, during her second-place performances, she still won her age group including taking down her age group’s record at Buffalo Sprint.

Goose's Comments - Based on our agreement to limit the nominees in each category to those we perceive as the three most impressive during the season, I agree with Mav's pics and rationale.