Tri- and duathlete Nicholas Sterghos (West Point, '09) has been traveling across the U.S. for training and competitions. Here he celebrates his 1st Place finish among contenders aged 18-24 in the Amica Ironman 70.3.

What a great way to end my summer racing (before I start my Army career) — just this past weekend I had the opportunity to race in Providence, RI at the Amica Ironman 70.3.

I finished 1st in the 18-24 Age Group, 5th Amateur Overall, and 17th Overall with a time of 4:12:00.  I also qualified for Kona, but had to decline due to my upcoming military duties.  It was funny talking to others who did not know why I would turn down a chance to race at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.  I just told them that people who do full Ironmans are crazy — I race 70.3, only half craziness.

Nicholas poses with former West Point Triathlon teammate Randy Wintermantel.

Randy Wintermantel, who accompanied me to Rhode Island, competed by placing a respected 3rd in the 18-24 age group.  Although a little dissatisfied, she said that she had fun racing all over the state and in the city or Providence.  Although the transitions were many miles apart, it did give racers encouragement to finish in order to make it back to the city.

Thanks to all my sponsors — especially Terry Laughlin of Total Immersion, who opened up his house to Randy and I in Lake Placid, NY for some wonderful training before the race.  Good luck to all those who will continue to race this summer.

Nicholas enjoys some downtime on Lake Placid in New York.