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2016 Most Improved: The Women...

Thursday, 06 October 2016 23:10

MINNESOTA MULTISPORT AWARDS - Today we reveal the nominees or MOST IMPROVED FEMALE, which pertains to an athlete's career trajectory as it applies to their position on or near Team Minnesota.

The nominees, in alpha order, are:

- DIANE HANKEE, 39, Lino Lakes (2015 Rank: 8th; Best Rank: 4th in 2010 - photo below R)

Diane has enjoyed many outstanding, even breakout, seasons (2010, 2013, 2014), though none have been "outstandinger" than 2016. Though this year's Team Minnesota has not been determined, it nevertheless appears that Hankee will place in the Top 3.

Here is her 2016 Scorecard:

- 1st @ Apple Duathlon (likely POY nominee)

- 1st @ LIberty Half IM - 4:42:30 ...

- 1st @ St. Paul Long Course

- 2nd @ Toughman Sprint

- 2nd @ Lake Waconia

- 2nd @ Muncie 70.3 - 4:38:51

- 3rd @ Steelhead 70.3 (MI) - 4:41:32

- ERIN HYNDMAN-FARRENS, 36, Maple Grove (2015: Unranked - photo L)

Erin almost made Team Minnesota in 2005 (11th) and 2015 (12th), but has never landed a spot in the Top 10 until this year. It was not that she wasn't worthy from a talent standpoint. Until 2015, her competitive resume lacked sufficient volume.

Here are her 2016 Highlights:

- 1st @ Life Time Tri - Maple Grove Olympic (2:12:53)

- 1st @ Toughman Minnesota - 4:49:07

- 3rd amateur @ Timberman 70.3 (NH) - 4:43:13

- 3rd @ Trinona Sprint

- 5th @ Gear West Duathlon

- ANGELA KIDD, 39, Chanhassen (2015: Unranked - Top photo)

Having followed Kidd's competitive career prior to her relocation from Illinois to Minnesota, it was clear to us that her improvement in 2016 has been significant. Despite rather low racing volume, she is flirting with a spot on Team Minnesota.

Here are her 2016 Highlights:

- 2nd @ Gear West Duathlon (Thirty-five seconds behind Suzie Fox, one of America's premier amateur duathletes.)

- 4th overall @ Steelhead 70.3 (MI) - 4:42:40 (PR)

- 6th overall @ Florida 70.3 (4:51:01)

- DANI VSETECKA, 31, Rochester (2015: Unranked - photo L)

Dani was so impressive in 2015 that the Committee needed to take a second look at her resume to convince themselves that she was worthy of a nomination. When they did, it was obvious that she was deserving.

Here are her 2016 highlights:

- 1st amateur @ Falls Duathlon - Lowered amateur record from 1:11:39 to 1:09:48.

- 1st @ One Last Tri Int'l - (732m-27 miles-10K): 2:08:33

- 2nd amateur @ Texas 70.3 - 4:34:56 (Fastest half by a MN woman in 2016. Lowered her 70.3 PR by 6:39.)

- 2nd @ Apple Duathlon

FYI - BETTINA KEPPERS (33, Duluth) and TIFFANY KARI (36, Duluth) also received serious consideration in this category. Bettina's resume featured course record-setting wins at Timberman Sprint and Brewhouse Sprint, and a 2nd at Buffalo Sprint. Tiffany's highlights included a win at Square Lake, a 3rd at Brewhouse Olympic and a 4th (PR) at Toughman Half.