Rocklin, CA (December 7, 2016) – Freeplay magazine is pleased to announce its roster for the 2017 season. Team Freeplay added 14 female athletes to create the core of its 2017 squad, while adding 7 additional athletes as part of the new Freeplay Club Team.
The 2017 team is composed of a strong group of women representing age groups 25-29 to 55-59. Among the 9 returning athletes is Kelly O’Mara who finished first amateur overall at both Wildflower Triathlon and Pacific Grove. After placing top 10 in her age group at the Ironman World Championships this year O’Mara decided to race as a professional triathlete in 2017. Also returning to the 2017 squad is Gina Anixter (2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier), Elise Winter (ITU AG World Championship athlete), Jaimee Davis (2016 Ironman World Championships competitor), Kimberly Larson (Xterra World Championship athlete), Mary Tanner(raced over 45 triathlons since 2005), Pam Goodley(4th AG at Ironman Canada) and Dina Neils(USA Triathlon National Championship athlete).
In addition to the 9 returning athletes, Team Freeplay added 4 new women to the 2017 squad. 2016 Freeplay ambassador and 2:52 marathoner, Erin Wachter, looks to represent Team Freeplay as both a runner and off-road triathlete next season along with new mom, Liz Stehula. Liz comes to Freeplay with a strong swimming and running background. Also joining Team Freeplay is mom of 4 and Ironman athlete Traci Seto and marathoner and half-Ironman athlete, Chrissy Blaisdell.
Co-founder of Freeplay magazine and former elite athlete, Stephanie Artis, continues as team director for a third season. “While I am excited to be heading into our third season with Team Freeplay, I am really looking forward about the addition of our new club team. Expanding our team will allow us to reach out to more women in the endurance sports community. After 25 years of racing in endurance sports, I enjoy being able to give back by supporting other female athletes through both the magazine and the team,” stated Artis. Although Artis is team director, she will also compete in running, cycling and triathlons alongside the team.
The new 2017 Freeplay Club Team is composed of seven women who actively participate or race in running, triathlons or cycling. Club athletes are part of Team Freeplay and will represent Freeplay in training, racing and in the community throughout the year. Jill Pearman, Carol Irving, Lisa Dodd Kinsman, Kelly Weinberg, Melanie Myden, Stacey Armijo and Jennifer Villany create the core of the new Freeplay Club team roster for 2017.
“This year we are looking to build on what we established back in 2015,” said Artis. “The 2017 team continues to target women in Northern California who have demonstrated commitment to the sport, the team aspect and involvement in their community. We looked for athletes who were interested in training together throughout the season in addition to being active in the endurance sport community. While Team Freeplay focuses on women in Northern California, our club team is open to women across the United States. Women can apply to be part of the club team throughout the year.”
Currently Team Freeplay is sponsored by Salming Running North America, Rudy Project, XX2i Optics, Hoffart Chiropractic, Sacramento Running Association, Folsom Bike and Fluid. A full list of 2017 sponsors and partners will be available on the new team website January 1 along with athlete profiles.
2017 Roster
Gina Anixter
Stephanie Artis
Chrissy Blaisdell
Jamiee Davis
Pam Goodley
Kimberly Larson
Dina Neils
Kelly O’Mara
Traci Seto
Liz Stehula
Mary Tanner
Erin Wachter
Elise Winter
Freeplay Club Team
Stacey Armijo
Lisa Dodd Kinsman
Carol Irving
Jill Pearman
Melanie Myden
Kelly Weinberg
Jennifer Villany
For more information on sponsoring the Freeplay Triathlon Team in 2017 contact:
Stephanie Artis
Team Director
Stephanie@freeplaymagazine.com
For Media Information contact:
Sean Dulany
Director of Media
Sean@freeplaymagazine.com
