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Name-Dropping: 2024 Juniors...

Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:10

By Garfunkel

In the coming weeks, the Minnesota Multisport Honors (MMH) Committee, this year comprised of Simon & Garfunkel (me), will release official nominees for end-of-season honors. For now, here are some of the junior athletes (aged 19 and under) that impressed us with their racing in 2024.

Adeline Althaus-Kotila, 14, Minneapolis:
At only 14 years old, Adeline claimed the second podium step at Lake Rebecca sprint. She raced 3 additional times, placing in the top-10 overall each time. With a very strong swim and solid run speed, we hope to see her trajectory keep rising in the coming years...

Noah Billings, 18, Rochester:
3 overall wins, an Iowa state sprint-distance championship, and the winner at USAT’s Youth and Junior Nationals (non-drafting). Noah also stepped up to race olympic and half distances this year.

Corbin Deichman, 16, Mankato:
Corbin, summoning his elite swim and run speed, won 3 races, out-dueling Billings at Maple Grove sprint. He finished on the overall podium at 2 other races as well. (Note: Corbin excels at draft-legal racing, but only non-drafting results are considered for the MMHs).

Sean Pickle, 19, St. Cloud:
Sean started racing in 2022 we believe, and has quickly made his way to elite junior status. In 9 starts this year, Sean had 4 overall wins and finished on the overall podium 3 other times.

Raychel Tong, 16, Minneapolis:
Raychel had a breakout rookie year, placing 2nd overall at Big Lake sprint and 3rd overall at Maple Grove sprint. She also landed in the top-10 overall at Clearwater sprint. Like Adeline, we foresee a bright future for her in the sport.

( We are still trying to gather results for Judson Schulz, 19, a UM triathlete who may be deserving of a JOY nomination. - Simon)