Not only are Kona qualifying points and prize money at stake in tomorrow's NYC Ironman, but the American pros in the race will be vying for a National title.
Here's a look at the ladies who will be competing in the 2012 US Ironman National Championship, in race number order:
(Race Number, Name, Age, Residence)
50 Mary Beth Ellis, 35, Boulder, CO – since moving up from shorter races in 2010, she has won at least 4 Ironman distance events. She most recently crushed the field at the L’Alpe Duez Triathlon and is a member of Team TBB.
52 Amy Marsh 34, Austin, TX – has won 6 Ironman distance events and is hoping to get enough points in NYC to qualify for Kona 2012. She was the 2010 USAT Long Distance Athlete of the Year. She was an All-American swimmer at University of Minnesota, so look for her to be one of the swim leaders. More about Amy: http://www.team-marsh.com/blog/up-next/
53 Dede Griesbauer 41, Boston, MA -- oringinally from Short Hills, NJ, Dede was an All-American swimmer at Standford before going to Wharton, working on Wall Street and becoming a pro triathlete. She’s won 2 Ironman titles and is on the comeback trail from a serious bike crash. Coached by Siri Lindley. She was most recently 4th at the Rhode Island 70.3.
55 Heather Gollnick 42, Port St. Lucie, FL -- 5 time Ironman Champion, mom of 3, triathlon coach
61 Jessie Donavan 36, Shelburne, VT – Recently won Ironman Lake Placid. Mom of 3, former competitive Nordic skier.
63 Meghan Newcomer, 31, New York, NY – Rookie Pro. Age group winner of the 2011 New York City Triathlon. Swam at Mary Washington College and works full-time at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She’s also the swim coordinator for Team in Training’s New York City Ironman team.
67 Kristin Andrews 31, Bethesda, MD – originally from Sag Harbor, NY, Kristen ran at distance events at Dartmouth, turned pro in 2011 after setting the age group course record at Lake Placid. Look for a fast bike split from Kristen.
68 JACQUIGORDON, 39, Point Pleasant, NJ – South Africa native recently finished 3rd at the Lake Placid Ironman. Professional since 2005, mom of 2.
69 Laurel Wassner, 36, New York, NY – 1st time competing in an Ironman. Cancer Survivor and hometown favorite. Swam at George Washington University, but is better known for her fast running splits. In 2012, she has recorded top finishes at Olympic distance triathlons, half ironmans and even an ITU draft-legal race. Coached by Cliff English.
71 Haley Cooper-Scott, 31, Spokane, WA – Several top 5 Ironman finishes. Played soccer at Middlebury, got into triathlon while living in New Zealand.
75 Hillary Biscay, 34, Tucson, AZ – has competed in over 50 Ironmans, with multiple podium finishes. She swam at Michigan and USC and is usually one of the early leaders. Coached by Siri Lindley.
76 Sarah Piampiano, 30, Santa Monica, CA – Turned pro in late 2011 and moved from New York City to LA to focus on triathlon. She grew up downhill ski racing in Maine and skied and ran for Colby College. She won the 2012 New Orleans 70.3.