Potts and Lavelle Named USAT Elite Athletes of the Year
USA Triathlon recognized Andy Potts as the 2008 Elite Non-ITU Male Athlete of the Year. He was honored for his notable achievements, winning Ironman 70.3 California, Ironman 70.3 Timberman and Escape from Alcatraz. Potts made his Ironman debut at Ironman World Championship as the top American finisher and led the pro men’s field out of the water with a course-record-breaking swim at the 70.3 Ironman World Championship in Clearwater.
"I am honored to be named 2008 Athlete of the Year (Non-ITU). It is always nice to be recognized for my hard work and dedication by my peers and USAT," said Potts. "I had some pretty lofty goals when the season began. Even though I had some disappointments during the year, I think that my ability to bounce back and achieve new goals was what made the year a success. I consider myself very fortunate that I can learn and relearn some of life's lessons through triathlon."
Elite Non-ITU Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Becky Lavelle. Lavelle competed in 13 races last year, which included wins at the Chicago Triathlon, Los Angeles Triathlon and Malibu Triathlon. She earned the overall Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series title and her consistency in the short course races places her as one of the fastest females in the sport today.
"I am truly honored to receive this recognition from USAT," said Lavelle. "They have been a big support in my success and I look forward to making 2009 an even better year."
"I am honored to be named 2008 Athlete of the Year (Non-ITU). It is always nice to be recognized for my hard work and dedication by my peers and USAT," said Potts. "I had some pretty lofty goals when the season began. Even though I had some disappointments during the year, I think that my ability to bounce back and achieve new goals was what made the year a success. I consider myself very fortunate that I can learn and relearn some of life's lessons through triathlon."
Elite Non-ITU Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Becky Lavelle. Lavelle competed in 13 races last year, which included wins at the Chicago Triathlon, Los Angeles Triathlon and Malibu Triathlon. She earned the overall Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series title and her consistency in the short course races places her as one of the fastest females in the sport today.
"I am truly honored to receive this recognition from USAT," said Lavelle. "They have been a big support in my success and I look forward to making 2009 an even better year."