Avarie Faulkner is in her third season on the Denver Pioneers women's triathlon team after joining the program as a member of head coach Barbara Perkins' first recruiting class.
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The Bellbrook, Ohio, native participated in all 15 races for DU over the previous two seasons and entered this year with five career top-10 finishes, tied for the second-most in program history.
 
A 2021 All-American honorable mention, Faulkner has reached the podium twice in her career, finishing third at both the 2021 Oktoberfest Sprint in Longmont, Colorado, and 2022 Cal Bearathlon in Berkeley, California.
 
Majoring in mathematics, Faulkner is member of the Air Force ROTC and hopes to join the United States Air Force after earning her degree from Denver.
 
Why did you choose DU?
 
"I chose the University of Denver for its great academic programs and its proximity to outdoor activities."
 
Why Triathlon?
 
"I love Triathlon because it combines three sports that I really enjoy and has an incredible team environment."
 
How did you get involved in Triathlon?
 
"I ran and swam in high school, so one summer my older sister and I decided to try a triathlon. My first race was at a local state park, and I knew nothing about racing a triathlon. I swam in a regular swimsuit, took my time drying off and putting clothes on in transition, biked on my hybrid and then ran the final 5K. My time was slow, but I absolutely loved it."
 
What are your plans after college?
 
"I plan to join the Air Force after graduating."
 
Where is your favorite training area?
 
"The Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs."
 
Do you have a pre-race/training routine?
 
"I always eat a snack and get a good warmup in before races."
 
What are your goals for this season?
 
"My goals for this season are to improve as a triathlete and help my team as much as possible."
 
What are some of your favorite hangout spots in Denver?
 
"Some of my favorite spots in the Denver area are El Metate, Jelly Cafe and Washington Park."
 
What is your favorite sport to watch?
 
"Football"
 
What kind of music do you like?
 
"Country."
 
What is your favorite movie?
 
"Facing the Giants."
 
What other sports have you participated in?
 
"When I was younger I participated in youth soccer and basketball before transitioning to swimming and running. I swam for both a club team and my high school swim team. I also ran for my high school."
 

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