Athletes of the Year
USA TRIATHLON HONORS
ELITE ATHLETES FOR 2011 PERFORMANCES


With International Triathlon Union World Championship Series podium finisher Sarah Groff and Pan American Games silver medalist Manuel Huerta leading the way, USA Triathlon announced its 2011 Elite Athletes of the Year as selected by the USA Triathlon Athlete Advisory Council (AAC).


“2011 was a year filled with many incredible triathlon performances. The AAC carefully examined the résumés and results of all the nominees, and is proud to honor these exceptional athletes. With the quality of nominees, the selections were no easy task. The AAC congratulates all the 2011 winners,” said Barrett Brandon, chair of the USA Triathlon Athlete Advisory Council.


 


OLYMPIC DISTANCE/ITU ATHLETES OF THE YEAR


SARAH GROFF
(Hanover, N.H.)


2011 Highlights: Groff became the first-ever U.S. athlete to earn a spot on the series podium in the three-year history of the ITU World Championship Series in 2011. In addition to qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games with a seventh-place finish in London, Groff added a third-place finish in Kitzbühel, Austria, and she totaled four top-seven WCS finishes on the year.


“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to join the ranks of some outstanding athletes who have received the award over the years. American ITU athletes had a really strong year in 2011, and we are all looking to build upon that success in 2012.”


MANUEL HUERTA
(Miami, Fla.)


2011 Highlights: Huerta capped his 2011 season with a runner-up finish at the Pan American Games in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He finished the year as the No. 3 American in the ITU WCS rankings and was the top U.S. men’s performer at the London and Kitzbühel WCS stops. Additionally, Huerta recorded four top-16 finishes in ITU World Cup events.


“It’s an honor to be recognized as the best ITU athlete of the 2011 season. I would like to thank and dedicate this to my family, friends, coach and sponsors who have supported me throughout my career.”


84 USA TRIATHLON SPRING 2012

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