Maira Carreau is in her second season on the Denver Pioneers women's triathlon team and looks to build upon her record-breaking performance for the program in 2023.
 
The current sophomore became DU's first individual national champion in triathlon after she won the Collegiate National Championships on Nov. 11, 2023, in Tempe, Arizona. It was her second victory of the year after also winning the Eastern Regional Championships a month earlier.
 
Overall, Carreau recorded four podiums in four races as a freshman. She placed second in the Black Hills Collegiate Cup on Oct. 1, 2023—marking the best result by a Pioneer in their debut race—and completed her first college season by finishing second in the Clermont Challenge National Development Race in spring 2024.
 
The 2023 elite and under-23 Canadian national champion, the La Prairie, Quebec, native repeated as the U23 champion last month on Sept. 7, 2024 and placed second overall in the elite category. She stayed busy this past summer by also racing in Americas Triathlon Cup races and other World Triathlon races in North America and Europe.
 
Majoring in mechanical engineering, Carreau has aspirations to continue in the sport after college, but she also wants to use her degree to help make a difference in preserving the environment.
 
Why did you choose DU?
 
"I chose Denver mainly for its atmosphere and its triathlon program. The coach, Barbara Perkins, is super welcoming and the team has values that are really close to mine. Also, during my visit, Denver felt like a familiar place, even if it was the first time I visited."
 
Why Triathlon?
 
"Having done all of the three sports that compose triathlon at some point in my life, triathlon was the perfect compromise. I reached a point in my life where racing seasons were at the same time in two sports, that's when I reconsidered starting triathlon, knowing I could continue doing all the sports I liked."
 
How did you get involved in Triathlon?
 
"I did my first triathlon when I was 6 years old. My father was doing local races and my brother and I wanted to do the same as him. I remember, in my first race with an open water swim, I cried the whole swim because I was scared that a lake monster would attack me. Fortunately, I conquered my fear and I can comfortably swim in open water now."
 
Where is your favorite training area?
 
"My favorite training area is Cuenca, Ecuador. But I also really enjoy riding and swimming at Le Parc National de la Mauricie in Quebec."
 
What are your plans for the future?
 
"I would like to become a pro triathlete and be able to live from the sport. Once my sports career comes to an end, I would then like to work as an engineer and have a positive impact on the environment."
 
What kind of music do you like?
 
"I like indie pop music."
 
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?
 
"I have one in French: 'En cas de doute, gaz au boute,' which translates to 'In case of doubts, send it all out!'"
 
What is your favorite TV show?
 
"The Office always comes in as my top TV show."
 
What is your favorite sport to watch (either in-person or on TV)?
 
"I like to watch bike and triathlon races."
 
Do you have a pre-race routine?
 
"I always need to listen to some music before a race and the dancing part is mandatory."
 
Do you have any charities or efforts that are special to you?
 
"I like to give back to the future of my sport. That's why I am a cycling coach during the summer at my local club. I also accompanied my region's triathlon team to the Quebec Games in summer 2023. I had the chance to be guided by older athletes and coaches during my progression, and I find it's important to give the same opportunities to the next generation."
 
Are you related to or know anyone "famous?"
 
"Two years ago, I was racing with a French team on the French Grand Prix series and Alex Yee, the current Olympic men's triathlon champion, was on the team."
 
What is something that other people might not know about you?
 
"Four years ago, I shaved my head to raise money to help kids with cancer."