Canada’s Olympic Gold Medalist to Participate in Banff Triathlon

What’s the best way to keep challenging yourself and showcase your world-class athleticism after you win a gold medal at the Olympics? Well, if you’re Rosie MacLennan, Canada’s sole gold-medalist to emerge from the London 2012 Olympics, you come to compete in the Subaru Banff Triathlon.

Twenty-four year old MacLennan, a trampoline gymnast who outperformed the world’s best in her sport last month in London, will travel to Banff National Park next week to test her mettle in an entirely different series of sports during the third-annual Subaru Banff Triathlon on September 8, 2012.

This year’s triathlon will see over 800 athletes, including Olympians Brent McMahon (Triathlon), Lisa Mensink (Triathlon), Joshua Riker-Fox (Modern Pentathlon) and Alison McKenny (Synchronized Swimming), compete alongside MacLennan as individuals or relay team members in three possible distances including Olympic, Sprint and Super Sprint. MacLennan will be competing on a relay team in the Super Sprint distance.

“We’re thrilled to have Rosie participate in the Subaru Banff Triathlon,” said Paul Regensburg, senior coach and director of LifeSport Coaching and Events. “The Banff event is very special due to the nature of the spectacular environment in which it takes place and it speaks volumes to the quality of the race that Olympians such as Rosie choose to participate in it.”

Also new to the event this year, the Sprint distance triathlon will act as the qualifying race for the 2013 World Sprint Championships scheduled to take place in London, England, providing an opportunity for triathletes in each age category to represent Canada once again on the world stage.

The Banff triathlon, the last to take place in the annual Subaru Western Triathlon Series, will see participants swim in the beautiful emerald waters of Two Jack Lake, then bike around scenic Minnewanka Loop before running along the picturesque Bow River to the finish line on iconic Banff Avenue.

“The Subaru Banff Triathlon continues to grow in popularity and, with several Olympians now participating, this event has also quickly become attractive to world-class athletes,” said Stu Back of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. “Not only does it give triathletes a chance to enjoy their sport in a beautifully scenic setting, it allows one of Canada’s most iconic, treasured destinations to celebrate active adventure and athletic achievement in a protected environment.”

MacLennan intends to bring her gold medal to Banff National Park and will visit with local students to show them the award, as well as share her story and provide inspiration to the young athletes in the area.

For additional information about the Subaru Banff Triathlon, please visit www.banfflakelouise.com/triathlon.

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park.  Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership. For more information about Banff and Lake Louise, please visit www.banfflakelouise.com.