Clermont, Fla. - It was an rousing two days for the St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Triathlon team at the NCAA/USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships, hosted by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and held at both the Clermont Watersport Complex and Lake Louisa State Park.
Senior Hanna Jung (Siegen, Germany) and sophmore Chanelle Russell (Kingston, Jamaica) made the most of their opportunities on the Division II circuit in the Sunshine State.
Day 1 Recap (Swim):
The Spartans duo saved their best swims of the season for when it counted the most! Swim Time Trial Day did not disappoint, as Jung clocked in at just over 12 minutes and Russell finished up in a little over 14 minutes.
Day 2 Recap (Bike & Run):
It was an amazing and tough day for the Spartans! Coming off of season-best swims the day before, the team was excited and ready for a second day of competition. However, sometimes when you're feeling great, sport and mother nature can say hold on.
Hanna Jung, in her last race wearing maroon and gold, left it all on the course. She charged to the front of the bike leg with her best ride of the season, and dismounted in second position. Unfortunately, in the process of transition, she tweaked her back. Jung valiantly tried to continue, but had difficulty breathing deeply, which ultimately caused her to withdraw from the race.
Chanelle Russell, in her second straight National Championship, had a strong bike leg. The heat and humidity took its toll on the run however, as many athletes had difficulty adjusting to the weather conditions. Sunshine fought through and finished strong, becoming the only two-time National finisher in STAC history.