MEET our T3 March ATHLETE of the MONTH, Adam Smile
Congratulations to our first 2025 T3 athlete of the month! Adam is an amazing human being who has a tremendous sense of humor and passion for triathlon. He has earned this recognition based on his determination and commitment towards completing an Ironman. Over the past two years, Adam has progressively improved his endurance and efficiency in all three disciplines. He saw this as a long term goal, and has been working on all the processes towards achieving this. Spending weekly sessions in the pool working on mechanics, gradually building strength on the bike, and patiently developing his run back. Though eager and happy to "hammer out" more, he has been an unbelievable student of the sport by listening to his body, asking great questions, and wanting to improve. Maintaining a consistent training schedule has him in a great position to improve over the spring months and into summer.
Additionally, Adam embodies all that T3 is: A great teammate, someone who gives back to the sport and represents triathlon with integrity. He serves as an active member of the Adirondack Multisport Club and ambassador toward getting others to "pay it forward" in triathlon. We are honored to have Adam as our AotM! Congratulations Adam! Read more about Adam here...
Additionally, Adam embodies all that T3 is: A great teammate, someone who gives back to the sport and represents triathlon with integrity. He serves as an active member of the Adirondack Multisport Club and ambassador toward getting others to "pay it forward" in triathlon. We are honored to have Adam as our AotM! Congratulations Adam! Read more about Adam here...
MEET our T3 December ATHLETE of the MONTH, Bryn Becker
Coach Amanda says, “Coaching Bryn this year has been an incredibly rewarding experience. She exemplifies dedication and resilience, effortlessly fitting workouts into her busy travel and work schedule, all while maintaining a positive and radiant smile. After getting to know Bryn during our climb up Whiteface, I knew she would be a joy to coach. She's the type of athlete who tackles challenges with no complaints and a huge smile on her face. Bryn has learned to trust the process and truly showcased her athletic abilities at Ironman Arizona. She completed her first Ironman in under 12 hours and 10th in her age group!! She had big shoes to fill after her parents' remarkable finish in Lake Placid, but it's clear that talent runs in the family.” Read more about Bryn!
MEET our T3 November ATHLETE of the MONTH, Dave Stadtlander!
Coach Amy Farrell says, "Dave has been an excellent student of the sport of triathlon since we started working together in January. He goes above and beyond to make himself a better triathlete. Dave finds a way to make it all fun and social while steadily improving all season. I knew once Dave spent time volunteering at Ironman Lake Placid that he would catch the bug and have to sign up. I’m so excited to see what next season holds for him after his success this season. Congratulations, Dave!"
Read more about Dave here...
Read more about Dave here...
MEET our T3 October ATHLETES of the MONTH, Hillary Williams & Melanie Weber
"Impressed... That is the word that comes to mind when I think of Melanie Weber and her accomplishments this season", says Coach Kevin. Her ability to balance this journey with the many hats she wears on a day to day basis, and to have the results she had was remarkable. Melanie conquered Ironman Lake Placid with what looked like ease, fun, and so much positive energy. Truly embracing the journey and then turning the actual day into what felt like a celebration with family, friends, and teammates lining the course. At every opportunity, a smile, a hug, a high five - she made it awesome not only for her "fans", but more importantly - herself. I am unbelievably proud of Mel, and the opportunity I had to coach this rock star - that I am lucky to have as my sister-in-law! Congratulations, Mel!! #T3Proud
Coach Rachel says, "Getting the chance to coach Hillary this year was a very special opportunity for me that I am thankful for. I truly feel that she is one of those people that can do ANYTHING she sets her mind to, and while working towards whatever that may be, she never loses sight of everything else in her life that is important to her. She prioritizes her family, friendships, work, supporting others, and having fun…and does it so well!
"Hillary made her debut in triathlon this year but is no stranger to endurance athletics. She has an impressive background in ultra running, which really set her up for success in triathlon, especially from a mental standpoint. Her athletic IQ made coaching her a breeze :). She showed up every day and did what had to be done, and many times had to be creative about it. Hill runs with a jogging stroller?! Her dedication this season has been admirable, and she was able to showcase her ability and grit at Ironman Lake Placid. Hillary is a fantastic athlete, and even better person. It will be exciting to see where the sport of triathlon takes her, as I feel she has tremendous potential. Congratulations Hillary!" #T3 Proud!
Read more about Hillary and Melanie here...
Coach Rachel says, "Getting the chance to coach Hillary this year was a very special opportunity for me that I am thankful for. I truly feel that she is one of those people that can do ANYTHING she sets her mind to, and while working towards whatever that may be, she never loses sight of everything else in her life that is important to her. She prioritizes her family, friendships, work, supporting others, and having fun…and does it so well!
"Hillary made her debut in triathlon this year but is no stranger to endurance athletics. She has an impressive background in ultra running, which really set her up for success in triathlon, especially from a mental standpoint. Her athletic IQ made coaching her a breeze :). She showed up every day and did what had to be done, and many times had to be creative about it. Hill runs with a jogging stroller?! Her dedication this season has been admirable, and she was able to showcase her ability and grit at Ironman Lake Placid. Hillary is a fantastic athlete, and even better person. It will be exciting to see where the sport of triathlon takes her, as I feel she has tremendous potential. Congratulations Hillary!" #T3 Proud!
Read more about Hillary and Melanie here...
MEET our T3 September ATHLETE of the MONTH, Christina Ardito!
Everyone at some point will face adversity. It seems inevitable. Though everyone's circumstances are different - each is equally understanding. Christina Ardito, our T3 Athlete of the Month is no stranger to this. Her story is remarkable. Her accomplishments are inspiring. Her perspective on patience - her superpower! A message we can all learn from her.
In May 2019 a leg injury sidelined Christina.. 5+ years later, 5 surgeries, multiple attempts of comebacks, and endless ups & downs... Christina toed the line to complete the 2024 Ironman Lake Placid.
For perspective, after almost 5 years of not being able to run, her first opportunity to run again was on February 28, 2024. She set out for 30 minutes, walking 2 minutes...jogging 30 seconds... repeat. This day was remarkable. Coach Kevin, "I remember that workout. How excited I was to await her results. It was monumental in my eyes. She had worked so hard to get back to this point. To know she was running again was undoubtedly one of my coaching highlights for the year!"
From there, Christina was off...progressing. Throughout the entire process showing patience & positivity in each day, each workout, each moment...clearly understanding the long haul is the reward of the journey. With this remarkable mindset, gradually 30 seconds turned into 1 minute, then 2, 5, 30, and eventually completing a couple of days of "2 hours time on feet."
When July 20th, 2024 came, the day before Ironman Lake Placid...Coach Kevin knew she had already won! "She won the battle internally, with herself, both physically and the power of her mind. This made her invincible on that day. A powerful message to stay positive, remain patient (even if 5 years or more), never give up, and believe in yourself."
So, five years later, on July 21st, 2024 - Christina certainly earned the "Voice of Ironman", Mike Reilly's call - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN. Congratulations to Christina!
Read more about Christina here...
In May 2019 a leg injury sidelined Christina.. 5+ years later, 5 surgeries, multiple attempts of comebacks, and endless ups & downs... Christina toed the line to complete the 2024 Ironman Lake Placid.
For perspective, after almost 5 years of not being able to run, her first opportunity to run again was on February 28, 2024. She set out for 30 minutes, walking 2 minutes...jogging 30 seconds... repeat. This day was remarkable. Coach Kevin, "I remember that workout. How excited I was to await her results. It was monumental in my eyes. She had worked so hard to get back to this point. To know she was running again was undoubtedly one of my coaching highlights for the year!"
From there, Christina was off...progressing. Throughout the entire process showing patience & positivity in each day, each workout, each moment...clearly understanding the long haul is the reward of the journey. With this remarkable mindset, gradually 30 seconds turned into 1 minute, then 2, 5, 30, and eventually completing a couple of days of "2 hours time on feet."
When July 20th, 2024 came, the day before Ironman Lake Placid...Coach Kevin knew she had already won! "She won the battle internally, with herself, both physically and the power of her mind. This made her invincible on that day. A powerful message to stay positive, remain patient (even if 5 years or more), never give up, and believe in yourself."
So, five years later, on July 21st, 2024 - Christina certainly earned the "Voice of Ironman", Mike Reilly's call - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN. Congratulations to Christina!
Read more about Christina here...