National Championship Bound: 5 Questions with the DU Women’s Triathlon Team

The University of Denver women’s triathlon team will make the more than 1,800-mile trek to Clermont, Florida, this week to compete for a national title.

Denver will enter the 2024 Collegiate National Championships as the No. 4-ranked program after placing third at the Western Regional Championships on Oct. 12.

Last year, Denver finished fourth overall with then-freshman Maira Carreau winning the first individual national championship title in program history.

Head Coach Barbara Perkins says she likes where the team is competitively positioned at this point in the season, especially after a strong finish at regionals last month.

“We believe in the potential we have as a team. Testing moments bring you back to your ‘why’ and refocus on what you need to work on and accomplish to reach the ultimate goal,” says Perkins. “I think it’s been a great learning season and I think we’re in a really good place going into the weekend.”

Denver and its competitors will have to adapt to a new format. Due to course damage caused by the recent hurricanes, the race schedule and location of the 750 meter open water swim have been changed.

The national competitions now begin on Friday at the Clermont Watersports Complex. Friday’s swim will lead to a staggered start on Saturday at Lake Louisa State Park, where they will complete the 20K bike ride and 5K run.

The team is familiar with the running and cycling course, as everyone on the team has participated in it at least once before, either individually or as a colleague. Denver races at the venue every year in the Clermont Challenge as part of the spring schedule, and the program’s first-ever race took place at the venue in March 2021.

“We know the course. We know how to take advantage of this and play to our strengths,” says Perkins.

This weekend will also mark the final collegiate race of the regular season for Perkins’ first recruiting class four years ago.

Perkins and senior captains Clara Normand and Olivia Ebenstein spoke with the DU Newsroom to reflect on the season and the sport in general before making the trip to the Sunshine State.

How have you and the team grown this season?

Normandy: The training started very positively, and then we had some obstacles. Our first race didn’t go as planned, and we regrouped, reset, and thought about the steps we needed to take (to achieve our goals). That was a defining moment. I think the adversities we faced prepared us to face (some challenges with the national teams).

I really wanted to enjoy every little thing this season. Every race, good or bad result, allowed me to discover and enjoy the things that are valuable about the sport. I think it has been a special season for me because I have been able to process everything.

Ebenstein: I’ve grown this season and since it’s my last season, I’m just trying to absorb it a little more.

As for the team, I think we’ve become more comfortable every race, whether that’s friendship or skills, and every race we’re building on each other. So I think the Nationals are the perfect timing to make something special happen.

How does the depth of the team help you on your way to nationals?

Perkins: Early in the season when the team was split with the Southern Hills Triathlon and an event in Canada, we still did very well in both races.

I still don’t think we have shown our full potential. It’s really exciting to still have a lot of energy left on the racecourse and to explode in the championship part of the season.

Normandy: It’s the best we can have, especially with this new format. We can plan ahead for the cycling portion (of the race) and work together strategically. I know that on any given day, any of the girls can take a place.

Ebenstein: There are a lot of good people in the team, and I think it could be a mix of the seven of us for different finishing positions every day.

How does knowledge of the course at Clermont benefit the team?

Normandy: It will especially be an advantage for the bike, because we are one of the strongest cycling teams. We already know in which order we will emerge from the water, and we can use that to our advantage. So I think if we can race smart it will be a huge advantage.

Ebenstein: I think it’s super important to our strengths. We know when the bike course has a slight incline… especially the more technical parts, where in recent years you can (fall back) if you are in a bad position. I think if we already know that, it will really help us.

What is the biggest challenge as a triathlete, and what is the best thing about participating in the sport?

Perkins: There is a quote that says, “See the trees for the trees, and the forest for the trees.” Sometimes when you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to have that perspective. When you start this part of the season you’re tired and exhausted, we’re in the middle and the weather is starting to change – and so it can feel a little overwhelming. It’s important to take in the smaller moments, take breaks when you can, enjoy time with your friends, and then come back and try to recharge, refocus on the work and really celebrate the highlights.

I think the best part is that there’s always something different and interesting going on. It’s not just a sport where you get locked into the nuances. There are always things you can change and focus on; it’s never the same.

Normandy: There is an obligation you must have, and it involves sacrifice. It’s a lifestyle. You are not a triathlete in the morning and not a triathlete in the evening.

I really enjoy the diversity you get when you train in three sports. I would also say: the people: the team is so special. Because it is such a demanding sport, we spend so much time together. It’s a family, and that’s definitely the biggest win.

Ebenstein: Balancing it with everything else in life. Triathlon is not just training for two to three hours a day; it involves sleeping, eating and there is a lot of fatigue. It can be difficult to balance three different sports at the same time.

What I love most about the sport is that it has taken me all over the world, and it has helped me meet the coolest people. I feel like I started with a great team, but I’m proud of the team I’m leaving. We’ve really come a long way and it’s really cool to see that and be a part of that.

What is your favorite event?

Normandy: I like the bike a lot because there you can play smart and add the team component, like riding in a peloton with your teammates. At regionals, me and my sister (freshman Beatrice Normand) were in front, and then I attacked, and she followed, and for 30 seconds there were only two sisters in front. That’s where it feels special.

Ebenstein: Probably the flight. I think that’s what I have the most control over. I’m the only one on the track, where swimming and cycling have so many uncontrollable variables. When I’m running, I can reassess where I am in the race and push myself.