Central Women's Triathlon Team Defies Odds, Finishes 3rd at Nationals

Central College Triumphs at Division III Triathlon Nationals

In the picturesque town of Clermont, Florida, the Central College women's triathlon team showcased their resilience and skill, clinching a commendable third place at the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships. This achievement is not just a testament to their physical prowess but also to their adaptability and team spirit, especially given the unexpected change in the competition format.

The event kicked off with the swimming segment, which, in a twist of fate, was rescheduled to Friday instead of Saturday and relocated due to safety concerns following hurricane damage. This format, unfamiliar yet intriguing, is said to be quite common in European competitions, as noted by several of the team's international athletes. Coach Jennie Hedrick-Rozenberg observed that this adjustment allowed the athletes to exert full force in the swim without having to conserve energy for the subsequent bike and run segments.

Freshman sensation Adeline Koritz led the Dutch with a stellar performance, securing the 10th spot with a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 1 second. Not far behind, the junior trio—Taylor Jones, Grace Benson, and Luci Laidlaw—finished 15th, 16th, and 18th respectively. Their performances were particularly noteworthy; Taylor had her best run to date, and Grace pushed through despite recent health setbacks. Luci, recovering from a mishap at the end of her bike segment, showed remarkable mental fortitude to finish strong.

Estella Allen, another promising freshman, crossed the finish line in 32nd place, clocking in at 1:22.36, achieving a personal best by improving her previous time by over five minutes—a testament to her dedication and the rigorous training regimen the team follows.

The accolades didn't stop with the athletes. Coach Hedrick-Rozenberg was honored as the Division III Coach of the Year, a recognition of her exceptional leadership and the positive impact she has had on the team's performance and morale.

Other notable performances came from juniors Katelyn Freeman and senior Sophie Lunning, who both finished strongly, with Sophie delivering her best race in two years—a fitting climax to her collegiate triathlon career.

This year's nationals were not just about individual accolades but about a collective effort that exemplifies the spirit of Central College's athletics. The Dutch women's triathlon team's journey to the podium was a blend of strategic planning, adaptability, and sheer determination, qualities that are nurtured day in and day out at Central College.

As we celebrate these remarkable athletes and their coach, this event will undoubtedly be etched as one of those 'Magic Dutch Moments' in the annals of Central College's storied athletic history. Let's continue to support and cheer for these incredible student-athletes as they set their sights on even greater achievements. Go Dutch!