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Two That Got Away...

Tuesday, 04 April 2017 23:10

Rural Minnesota has certainly produced its share of top flight triathletes. David Thompson, winner of more than 100 multisport races in his career, was raised in Appleton, population 1400ish.

Then there's fellow pro Matt Hanson, who lives and works in Storm Lake, Iowa, but grew up in West Concord, Minnesota. About 800 people reside in that village.

And there is Chris Leiferman, also a pro, who grew up in Truman (pop. 1100ish) and went on to make a name for himself since moving to Boulder, Colorado. FYI, Chris placed 2nd last weekend at Oceaside 70.3.

Hanson, who loves tacos and Tom Petty (Who doesn't?), hasn't raced on Minnesota soil since 2008. He was AGer back then and his results did not portend the future he is now enjoying. He was a pretty good amateur back then. His best effort was a 5th at New Bri. He's a first tier pro now.

Similarly, Leiferman had limited success as a Minnesota amateur. His did win one race, Square Lake Half in 2008, and podiumed at a pair of Life Time Series events. His results then did not suggest that he would become the decorated pro he is today.

But he has. And we think that is totally cool.

Here are some of the racing highlights of these talented Minnesota expats: ...