Listen to an exclusive interview with local triathlete phenom Beni Gras-Thompson. Gras-Thompson, a mother of five, was the top female age-grouper at IM New Zealand 2019, but when she went to claim her spot to Kona, big disappointment lay ahead. And a chance to persevere and learn. We’ve never had an episode like this!
Source: KonaKamps.com
Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/konakamps/beni-gras-thompson-ironman-new-zealand-2019
Photo credit: Finisher Pix
March 7, 2019 (Taupo, New Zealand) – Congratulations to local area triathlete Beni Gras-Thompson, who won 1st in her age group at Ironman New Zealand with a total time of 9:56:05! Gras-Thompson not only placed first in her 45-49 age group, but she placed 1st overall in the age group woman categories. Local triathlete Tim Fortuna commented, “If she was racing with the younger pro women, she would’ve been 8th! Absolutely incredible! Tremendous dedication and hard work. It’s so awesome to have her here in Roanoke.” Thanks to Tim Fortuna and Randy Clements for keeping track of Gras Thompson and letting our tri club members know about her incredible performance.
March 4, 2019 – Local area triathlete, Beni Gras-Thompson, was recently recognized by USA Triathlon as the women’s Masters Triathlete of the Year. She had a defining performance at the 2018 ITU Long Distance Triathlon Age Group World Championships in Fyn, Denmark. Gras-Thompson finished not only as the women’s 45-49 age-group winner, but also as the women’s overall champion. In addition, she was the third-place overall female amateur finisher at IRONMAN New Zealand.
Continue Reading: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/News/Articles-and-Releases/2019/March/04/Lippert-LeStrange-Headline-USA-Triathlon-Age-Group-Triathletes-of-the-Year