FEATURES

Kristina's Personal Invitation...

Monday, 27 July 2015 00:10

ED. Coverage of Toughman Minnesota and a Brewhouse preview will post tomorrow on MTN.

By Kristina Swenson

I’d like to share my story with the triathlon community about how the races world-champion triathlete Tony Schiller creates for kids changed my life and can change your kids’ lives too.

Let me take you back to a Wednesday night in 2005. I was eight years old. I had just finished a swim lesson at Foss Swim School when my teacher, Joe, said, “I want you to do a really cool race this Saturday. It’s just for kids. You’re going to do great.”

Three days later, I lined up on the beach at Lake Ann Park for my first race, the Miracle Kids Triathlon, directed by Tony. I was nervous, but I knew I could finish because Joe believed in me. It was hard, but I had a blast. I not only crossed the finish line, but I discovered the incredible sport of triathlon....

Over the years, I have gotten to know Tony well. He has inspired me to become a competitive triathlete, and he has shown me the joy of giving back to other kids. For those of you that know Tony and have attended his events, he’s the guy who will stand fifty yards from the finish line at a race and cross the line with as many kids as he can. I’m just one of the hundreds of lucky kids who’ve had this unforgettable experience. 

In 2013, I learned that Tony and the team that led the Miracle Kids Triathlon had started a new organization called CycleHealth. While CycleHealth fundraises for really important projects (for instance, this summer’s BreakAway Kids Tris are dedicated to saving a camp for kids with cancer that lost its' funding), the emphasis is on motivating kids to develop a healthier lifestyle, including a love for racing--my passion.

I’m now an Intern at CycleHealth, leading the innovative Sweat Rx that CycleHealth is pioneering with doctors. In sixteen clinics in the Twin Cities, pediatricians are literally prescribing our events to kids. Our summer event, the BreakAway Kids Tri, is a world class swim-bike-run obstacle race for kids ages 7-17. Click here to learn more about CycleHealth. Two dates. Two locations. Any kid can do this.

West Metro Race - Lake Rebecca Park Reserve - Sat. Aug. 15th

East Metro Race - Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Sat. Aug. 22nd

I have been racing triathlon competitively for five years now and have raised over $60,000 for charity. My love for triathlon has grown, as well as my passion for making my life matter to others-- significance-- as we call it at CycleHealth. This fall, I’ll be starting my college career at Iowa State University to pursue a major in Public Relations and join the triathlon team.

I wouldn’t be who I am today without that special invitation to participate in a triathlon. Here is my personal invitation to you and your kids. Register now and give your kids a life changing experience at one of Tony’s races, just like I had ten years ago.

ED. Kristina Swenson, 18, is an aspiring competitive triathlete who is now racing draft-legal and non draft legal races. She'll be racing at both Junior and Age Group Nationals in August. FYI, Kristina placed 2nd overall at Heart of the Lakes Sprint eight days ago.

Top Photo (L-R) - Kristina, CycleHealth Executive Director Betsy Grams and some kids, and Tony Schiller.