Written By Jennifer Lesser

There have been two consistent themes in the past few races in the area– one is the heat and humidity that have made racing conditions challenging, and the other is the presence of Sport Factory athletes on the podium.  Team Sport Factory won a total of ten age group awards along with several National Championship qualifications.  Chattanooga is one of the largest races in the Southeast attracting nearly 1300 participants this season.

The women were especially well represented on the podium, coming away with six of the top fifteen overall placements.  Junior Team Captain Katie June won her first victory in a major event as first overall amateur.  Coming off a 2nd place finish at Iron Girls she posted an amazing time of 2:21:58.  Although Katie is only 17 she has been competing in triathlon for over 10 years.

Triathlon newbie Tracy Palmer is in her first season, fourth triathlon, and has already achieved incredible success.  Coached by Amy Kloner she has won her AG and placed top 10 OA in all of her races including one overall amateur victory at 11 Global Reynolds Plantation.

Following closely on her heels were several other teammates:

Tracy Palmer in 6th place overall and 1st AG  30-34
Pam Rogan in 8th place overall and 1st AG 40-44
Jennifer Lesser in 10th overall and 1st AG 35-39
Crystal Perkings in 11th overall and 3rd AG 25-29
Hannah Meadows in 14th overall and 1st AG 15-19

Other top AG placements went to:
Jo Adamson 1st AG 60-64
Michelle Hanson 2nd AG 20-24

On the men’s side, our own Sam Morgan represented the team in the Pro-elite division.  Elites are allowed to go in the first wave and most are done with the bike leg before some of the last waves were even on their bikes!   Sam did not disappoint coming in 4th in his division and posting some very impressive splits.

Other notable men’s placements were:
Matt Scheafer 1st AG 15-29
Jon Adamson 1st AG 70-74

This particular race was a USAT National’s qualifier which will be held in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Athletes placing in the top 33% of their age group are qualified to attend. In addition to the above athletes that secured their spots at the race, the following athletes also qualified: Mark Rosing and Byron Milton.  The Sport Factory will have an exceptionally large number of athletes competing at Short Course Nationals this year.