Senior Grace Arlandson is in her second year with the Denver Pioneers Women's Triathlon Team after being a member of the program's inaugural squad in 2020-21.
 
Growing up, the St. Paul, Minnesota, native swam for the Edina Swim Club and then competed for Cretin-Derham Hall High School, specializing in freestyle and backstroke. She picked up road cycling earlier during her time at DU, and she jumped at the opportunity to participate in triathlon once the new division I sport was announced at the school in 2020.
 
She made her debut in triathlon in the program's first-ever competition at the Clermont Challenge on March 6, 2021 and finished third in the Division I race.
 
Majoring in molecular biology, Grace's goals for this season is to continue to develop in each of the three disciplines and to be competing at her best when the national championship rolls around.
 
Why did you choose the University of Denver?
 
"I chose DU because it was a school that I would love with or without athletics. Also, the mountains nearby offer so many activities to do outside of the classroom."
 
Why Triathlon?
 
"I love triathlon because of its unique challenge to train and improve in three different sports at the same time. I also love that it's both a team and individual sport. For me, having a team to do it with makes it all worth it!
 
How did you get involved in Triathlon?
 
"My first triathlon was actually for DU. We went to Florida to race at the Clermont Challenge last March and had a blast. I became involved in triathlon once the school announced the new program, and I tried out for the team. I grew up swimming and had just gotten into road biking, so it helped to have experience doing those sports."
 
What are your plans for the future?
 
"I plan to continue bike racing, take the MCAT, and then figure out what I want to do."
 
Where is your favorite training area?
 
"Lookout Mountain, Deer Creek Canyon and Lefthand Canyon are three of my favorite spots to ride."
 
What are some of your favorite hangout areas around Denver?
 
"I like to hang out at the Harvard Gulch's slack line park. Cheesman Park is also a great spot to play frisbee and bike around with friends."
 
Do you have a favorite quote?
 
"You can do hard things!"
 
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or TV show(s)?
 
"On TV, I love Schitt's Creek and New Girl. My favorite movie is Rango."
 
Do you have a pre-race routine?
 
"I like to begin biking with some intervals and then get in the water close to start time. Talking to everyone around me is also an essential part of my pre-race routine."
 
Do you have any causes that are special to you?
 
"The Alpine Club at DU is special to me. Our goal is to get college students access to outdoor activities whether they have experience or not."
 
What other sports have you participated in?
 
"I swam from age 8 through high school. I also had a few short stints on the Club Frisbee and Club Lacrosse teams earlier in my college career."
 
What is something that other people might not know about you?
 
"I have a piece of my rib on a necklace from a past surgery."
 
 
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-OUR JOURNEY, OUR TIME- 
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