THE Triathlon Association of the CNMI has announced the members of the islands’ national triathlon team that will be competing in the upcoming Pacific Mini Games.
They are Kathy Ruszala, Heather Brook, Kaithlyn Chavez, Robin Speath, Tania Tan, Dylan Mister, Isaiah Aleksenko, Christian Villacrusis, Erico Castro, and Leo Wania.
The delegation will be led by coach Mick Ferris and team manager Jay Diyco.
According to Diyco, the selection was based on two tryouts held in August and December and included off-island athletes.
“We have experienced and young athletes, and we will do our best to have a great performance in the Mini Games,” he said.
The team is now focused on staying in top shape, Diyco said, adding that each team member was given a training program by Coach Ferris.
“We will conduct training on Rota on April 30 so our athletes will be familiar with the race course,” Diyco said.
Team member Heather Brook is excited to be part of something big as she has yet to experience an event such as the Pacific Mini Games.
“I love triathlons for the variety,” she said. “It’s a lot more enjoyable to train for and feels like there is less risk of injury because you are cross-training instead of just putting all your time into one sport. And I’m excited for the Mini Games. I’ve been on Saipan for five years now, so I haven’t seen one before and don’t quite know what to expect.”
Brook had not participated in triathlons until she came to Saipan in 2016. Her first event was the Rota triathlon in 2017.
A pediatric nurse practitioner in the children’s clinic of the Commonwealth Health Center, Brook said she had “many mixed feelings” when she learned that she’s a member of the CNMI team.
“I felt very honored to be selected. Also, I’m a bit nervous because it’s a lot of pressure to represent your community. I did not, at first, realize that we would have a coach all the way from Australia, have drug testing, etc. It’s all very official!” she said.
“I also was hoping to see more local participants try out, vs the large expat contingent. I think it shows we need to continue to promote and develop interest in triathlon sports in the community, and specifically mentor young and local athletes,” she added.
Brook swims, bikes and runs about twice a week. “As a working mom of a one-year-old, it’s sometimes hard to fit in as much training as I would like. I often drag my daughter along with me on my bike rides or runs. Luckily, she seems to like it!”
