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Sean, Nathan & Preston are 2024 POY Nominees...

Saturday, 02 November 2024 00:10

By Garfunkel

2024 saw a post-pandemic rebound in the depth of elite racing at local triathlons. More guys competed for the podium at more races, but a few performances stood out from the rest. Below are the 3 performances from Minnesota men that Simon and I agree deserved to be nominated for Performance of the Year.

Sean Cooley’s Course Record at Square Lake Half:
Sean, a former Minnesota Triathlete of the Year and perennial nominee, set his fastest half distance time of the year at Des Moines 70.3 in 4:07:57. However, his solo-effort time of 4:10:53 on Square Lake’s challenging course made it his most impressive result of the season in our minds.

Nathan Kim’s Win at Chisago Half:
Nathan, at only 22 years old, won the Chisago Lakes half in a time of 4:11:50 – quite the impressive feat for an athlete of his age on such a hot and windy day....

Not only was his time impressive given the conditions, but he outdueled Cooley and other local elites in the process.

Preston Youngdahl’s Course Record at Maple Grove Olympic:
Preston broke the amateur course record at Maple Grove olympic last year and re-set it this year in a time of 1:52:47, barely edging out Kim by 3 seconds. Although MG’s bike course is a little short of a true olympic distance, his time is mind boggling and has only been beaten by pro triathlete Ted Treise.

COMMENT: Cooley's 4:07, the fastest half IM time by a Minnesotn in 2024, at Ironman 70.3 Des Moines, and Spencer Syvertson's course record at Brewhouse Olympic were also given serious consideration for POY nominations.