From Australia to London, from New York City’s “ball drop” to Atlanta’s “peach drop”, from the people here in Hawaii to the millions of people around the globe, the world said goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016 when the clock ticked past midnight, ringing in the new year with lots of champagne, confetti, midnight hugs and kisses, and many spectacular fireworks displays.
With today being the first day of the New Year, many have already begun the tradition of planning a wide range of new resolutions and self improvement promises anywhere from mindful eating habits, setting new race goals or challenges, to something as simple as walking 30-minutes a day.
The new year is also a time to reflect upon the year before – triumphs and accomplishments that were so memorable, and for some, moments that became learning tools that will lead to a better future.
And so I would like to share my thoughts on what were some the the most impressive performances and sports stories from an outstanding 2015 year. In no particular order:
Kona’s Staci Studer wins the Ultraman World Championships
To be called a world champion is possibly the most prestigious title to hold for anyone in the realm of sports. The 42-year old physical therapist ended her 2015 season on a high as she conquered what is considered one of the most grueling sports in triathlon – The Hawaii Ultraman World Championships in Kona.
The three-day challenge consisted of a 6.2-mile open-rough water swim, 171.4-mile bike, and a double marathon that encircled the Big Island over Thanksgiving weekend. More impressively, this was Studer’s first attempt at the Ultraman distance.
Maile Lawson breaks a 30-year old swimming record
Competing in her best event – the 200-yard breaststroke – Kona Aquatic’s Lawson shattered the previous 13-14 year age group swimming record by four seconds with her time of 2 minutes and 17.06 seconds at the Hawaiian Age Group Championships on December 21.
At 14 years of age, Lawson is now the fastest breaststroker in the State, beating all of her competitors from age 13 to 18. Lawson swims under the guidance of coach Steve Borowski and is sure to have many more record setting years ahead.
Daniel Kniseley wins Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming
It’s not easy to win at a sport typically dominated by our island’s youth. Yet the 54-year old Kniseley proved that age really doesn’t matter and pulled off an American Pharoah move by outright winning all three open water swim events over the summer – the Cinco de Mayo Splash held in May, June’s Hapuna Rough Water Swim, and July’s King’s Swim – to claim the prestigious Triple Crown title
Bree Wee narrowly missing an IRONMAN slot
One of the many heartfelt stories that crossed my path was Bree Wee’s second place finish at IRONMAN Japan in August. In a gutsy all-or-nothing performance of her career, the Kona professional triathlete narrowly missed a spot among the 35-woman field limit to compete in October’s Hawaii IRONMAN World Championships.
But what was most impressive was Wee revealing her true character, strength and passion for the sport through her ability to quickly shake off any feelings of disappointment and reprioritized her focus toward a brighter 2016 season. Wee proved that no setback is ever too great, a heart of a true champion.
Luis De La Torre’s comeback year
After taking a near two-year hiatus from the multisport arena due to a nagging injury, De La Torre emerged onto the 2015 race scene faster than ever before. De La Torre began an early summer winning streak topping the podium at three Peaman Biathlon events, and racked up wins at July’s Hilo Triathlon, August’s Mountain Man Triathlon, and November’s Triptophan Turkey Day Triathlon. De La Torre then put an exclamation mark to an incredible season by slashing professional triathlete Chris Lieto’s record at Peaman’s Post Pigout Peamania in November with a new time of 34 minutes and 33 seconds.
Cody Ranfranz rises to the top
At just 16 years of age, Ranfranz has certainly proved that he is a force to be reckoned with. Already holding the title as the youngest victor in Peaman Biathlon history at the age of 14, Ranfranz entered all 10 biathlon events and finished off the year with six wins and four second place finishes to friendly rival De La Torre.
Ranfranz, who runs for the Konawaena Wildcat cross-country and track teams, also topped the podium at numerous local 5K events. With another year and half of high school ahead, simply look to Ranfranz for more records at Peaman Biathlon events and the local running scene.
Billy Barnett – Born to Run
It is not often one can witness someone running with ease and a zen-like grace unless you are watching Billy Barnett. The Volcano resident and extreme ultra marathoner who was featured in the 2009 best selling ethnography, Born to Run, picked up wins in nearly every road and trail race entered from a 10K distance to half marathon. But it’s his unique style, humble attitude, and free spirit toward the sport that sets him apart from the rest and has runners from all ages aspiring to be, just like Billy.
Penn Henderson and Kym Kiser dominate the cycling scene
Possibly two names that synonymously go with cycling over the last few years on the Big Island are Henderson and Kiser. Both own multiple King and Queen of the Mountain titles along with a long resume of wins at individual time trials and hill climbing events.
In 2015 alone, Henderson dominated the field at virtually every race entered – amassing numerous course records along the way. Most notable was his performance at Lavaman Waikoloa Olympic Distance Triathlon relay division where he cycled his way to the front the pack and finished with the prestigious “first off the bike” distinction.
Meanwhile Kiser did the same in the women’s division, coming in first at nearly every event she entered. Most impressive was her recent win at Journey-2-LaLa Land’s 17-mile uphill road race two weeks ago, where she won while being four months pregnant.
Karlyn Pipes inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame
No Masters swimmer in the world holds more records than Pipes. The 53-year old Kailua-Kona resident has 223 FINA World Masters world records to date, has been named Female Masters Swimmer of the Year three times by SWIM magazine, named World Masters Swimmer of the Year in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012, and was named one of the top 10 Masters swimmers of all-time by Swimming World Magazine.
On June 20, Pipes was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame at the 51st annual HOF Enshrinement Ceremonies in Santa Clara, California.
Newcomer Jared Burris clocks in the island’s fastest 5K time of the year
Two great things about being virtually unknown when you toe the line at any race are not having a bull’s eye pinned to your back and not carrying the pressure of being the “pre-race favorite.” Burris, who recently moved to the island in December, not only clocked in the fastest 5K time of the year at 16 minutes and 4 seconds but also set a new race record at the Jingle Bell Beach Run on Dec. 20. I’m sure everyone will be looking for Burris at the next local race event.
Of course there were many more great sports stories that occurred over the last year, and many champions that crossed the finish line, but these highlights best define our 2015 year of Swim, Bike and Run.