Michelle Mehnert of the University of Colorado won the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship Olympic distance, non-drafting women’s individual race.

Mehnert was first across the line in 2:01:13. Erika Erickson of the University of California – Berkeley was 2nd in 2:02:28 and Brittany Braden of San Diego State was 3rd in 2:03:28.

Mehnert was second out of the water behind California’s Shelley Harper and the two had a substantial lead on the bike. Mehnert moved into the lead halfway through the 40k bike leg, then held off Erickson and Braden on the run for the win.

"I knew the Cal girls would be out fast in the swim," Mehnert, a former University of Illinois-Urbana swimmer, told USA Triathlon media. "Training in Colorado on the hills, I knew this course catered to my skills. It seemed like the perfect course to do well on for me, so I tried to capitalize on that."

USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship
Olympic Distance, Non-Drafting
Tempe, Arizona
April 13, 2013
S 1.5k / B 40k / R 10k

Results

Women’s Individual Overall

1. Michelle Mehnert (Colorado) 2:01:13
2. Erika Erickson (California) 2:02:28
3. Brittany Braden (San Diego State) 2:03:28
4. Christine Jackson (California) 2:03:37
5. Samantha Morrison (U.S. Air Force Academy) 2:03:46