Triathlon Triumphs: Local Athletes Shine at Green Lake Event
Discover the latest results from the Green Lake Triathlon, featuring top performances by athletes from Melbourne Beach and beyond.
Triathlon Triumphs: Local Athletes Shine at Green Lake Event
The resurgence of the Green Lake Triathlon has once again showcased the best of local talent, marking a thrilling day for participants and spectators alike. On August 11, 2025, ambitious athletes gathered for the event, each ready to push their limits. Sean Pickle from St. Cloud triumphed in the Men’s Sprint Division for the second consecutive year, clocking in at an impressive 1:01:05. Close behind was Kevin Mitchell from Sioux Falls, who finished at 1:02:39. The excitement didn’t stop there, as the women’s division saw Gretchen Amundson also clinch a win for the second year in a row, landing the top spot in 1:15:58. Cassie Nemecek of Minnetrista trailed her closely at 1:17:50.
Notably, the Sprint Division comprised a quarter-mile swim, 14 miles of biking, and a three-mile run, pulling together a total of 155 athletic competitors. It’s quite an achievement that draws enthusiasts from various regions, reflecting the sport’s broad appeal, as highlighted by All Triathlon, which notes the surging interest in triathlons globally.
Division Highlights
In the Olympic Division, 69 athletes took part, with Jacob Niemann from Minneapolis finishing brilliantly at 1:59:50, narrowly beating Michael Wente by just six seconds. This division included a more challenging course featuring a three-quarter mile swim, a 22-mile bike ride, and a 6-mile run. Amy Preusser led the women’s Olympic Division, completing her race in 2:03:52, while Marnie Walth of Bismarck, North Dakota, finished second at 2:07:15.
To get an idea of the top contenders in both divisions, here are the finishers worth noting:
| Men’s Olympic Division | Time |
|---|---|
| Jacob Niemann, Minneapolis | 1:59:50 |
| Michael Wente, Minneapolis | 1:59:56 |
| Kirby Johnson, Spicer | 2:04:36 |
| Jacob Blattner, Long Lake | 2:06:07 |
| Jay Halliday, Willmar | 2:06:27 |
| Carter Schmidt, Lake Park, Iowa | 2:08:10 |
| Nicholas Grey, St. Paul | 2:09:13 |
| Ryan Preusser, Melrose | 2:09:34 |
| Brian Williams, Sioux Falls, S.D. | 2:12:02 |
| Mason Deitering, Inver Grove Heights | 2:14:18 |
| Women’s Olympic Division | Time |
|---|---|
| Amy Preusser, Melrose | 2:03:52 |
| Marnie Walth, Bismarck, N.D. | 2:07:15 |
| Lindsay Schwab, St. Paul | 2:22:32 |
| Madeline Turbes, St. Paul | 2:23:27 |
| Kelly Wencl, Alexandria | 2:24:50 |
| Isabelle Schmitz, Hutchinson | 2:26:18 |
| Allie Van Stone, Minneapolis | 2:27:26 |
| Anne Jacobson, Minneapolis | 2:30:13 |
| Mikayla Haskamp, Sauk Centre | 2:39:59 |
| Kaylene Kalkbrenner, Eden Prairie | 2:40:08 |
A Bright Future for Triathlons
Despite challenges faced by the triathlon community, such as participation drops post-pandemic, the sport has maintained its charm and vigor. The average age of triathletes remains around 38, with women making up a growing percentage of participants. In fact, TriSignup emphasizes the diverse backgrounds of athletes who come from various regions, symbolizing the sport’s inclusivity.
As triathlons continue to surge in popularity, it’s clear that here in Florida, there’s plenty of passion for these demanding races. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran like Sean Pickle or just dipping your toes into the sport, there’s something to be said for the sheer tenacity displayed at events like the Green Lake Triathlon.