Nadiya Linde-Elmhirst is a freshman on the Denver Pioneers women's triathlon team and joined the program from Keene, Ontario, Canada.
 
The political science major placed in the top five of Ontario Youth Cup Series four years in a row from 2016 to 2019, including picking up the championship in 2016. She previously trained with the Trent Swim Club, Peterbourough Pirates Triathlon Club and C3 Cross Training Club.
 
Linde-Elmhirst was the first international commitment for the DU program and made her NCAA debut on Sept 3 by coming in 10th at the Southern Hills Triathlon in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
 
Why did you choose DU?
 
"I chose the University of Denver because it checked absolutely every box for me. Triathlon is my passion and Denver gives me the chance to train and race at a D-I level. The team environment is super important to me, and I love Barbara Perkins' style of coaching, vision and goals for the team. I was also able to talk to some of the girls on the team, and I absolutely adore them all. Yes, I am in the States for triathlon, but my education at DU is also very important to me. Culturally the States are very different than Canada, and I think Denver was the closest it gets to home, which was definitely a factor that drew me in."
 
Why Triathlon?
 
"I grew up doing gymnastics, figure skating and dance. I started triathlon when I was 8 years old, and as I got more serious with the sport all of the others dropped off one by one. My dream has always been to pursue the sport and go to the Olympics, and I think NCAA triathlon is the next best step for that. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to keep chasing my dreams and keep doing what I love the most."
 
How did you get involved in Triathlon?
 
"My older brother started with triathlon when I was 7 years old. I would wait in the car with my mom during his practice, and I asked if I could join the next season. My first race was June 2012 in Lindsay, Ontario, on a beautiful spring day ,and I won the race and fell in love instantly with the sport. Through all the highs and lows I've gone through with this sport, it's still my No. 1 passion and makes me who I am."
 
Where is your favorite training area?
 
"My favorite training area so far is Tucson, Arizona. I was able to go there for a training camp in March 2020 right before COVID."
 
What kind of music do you like?
 
"I love almost all music except heavy metal and country. My favorite is definitely alternative R&B."
 
What are some of your favorite movies?
 
"The Bourne Identity; Me, Earl and the Dying Girl; and Fantastic Mr. Fox."
 
Do you have a pre-race routine?
 
"Pasta for dinner the night before, doesn't matter shape, but it has to be with tomato sauce. I have oatmeal for breakfast on race day."
 
What is your favorite sport to watch (either in-person or TV)?
 
"Definitely going to Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games in person."
 
What is something that other people might not know about you?
 
"I am very passionate about the importance of people's mental health, and I can't say enough good things about going to therapy."
 
Do you have any causes that are special to you?
 
"Since I have moved clubs I have continued to volunteer with my old club, as if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be where I am today and had the opportunity for triathlon."
 
What are your plans for the future?
 
"I would like to go to law school and eventually end up in politics."
 
 
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of DU's NCAA Division I sports
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Women's Triathlon on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @denverwomenstri on Twitter
Follow @DenverPioneers and @denverwomenstri on Instagram