Boulder, CO, June 19, 2006 – An 8th place finish among all female competitors in the 5430 Sprint Triathlon has qualified Susanne Achtenhagen to register as an Elite triathlete. In just three months of competition, following a return to triathlons after a 7-year hiatus, Achtenhagen has managed top 8 finishes in three events, which qualifies her to compete with the world’s finest triathletes.

Achtenhagen completed the 1/2 mile swim, 17 mile bike and 10K run in a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes and 26 seconds – second in her age group behind Steph Popelar of Parker, CO. 1,200 triathletes competed in the event, held at the Boulder Reservoir.

“Both Kurt (her husband) and I are thrilled with the race results so far,” said Achtenhagen. “We are a team, along with Allison and Emily (daughters), and our biggest goal has been keeping a good balance between training and living healthy, happy lives. Getting Elite status so quickly is just a big bonus!”

Stephen Hackett of Boulder won the men’s overall race, while the top overall female was Wendy Mader of Fort Collins.

Top-tier result moves triathlete
Achtenhagen up to Elite status