Emma Garrard Up for Utah Governor’s State of Sport Award

Reigning XTERRA USA and XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champion Emma Garrard from Park City, Utah has been nominated for the 2016 Governor’s State of Sport Award in the category of Pro/Olympian female.

Garrard is one of four outstanding athletes on the ballot alongside Olympic cross country skier and reigning XTERRA National Champion trail runner Liz Stephen, Kiley McKinnon from the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, and Brittany Bowe from U.S. Speedskating.

“It’s a big honor, not just for myself but also for XTERRA,” said Garrard, who had a breakout season in 2015 and was named USA Triathlon’s Off-Road Elite of the Year for the third year in a row.

Voting is done by the people, providing the XTERRA Tribe with the opportunity to put Garrard on the top step. Vote now (and often, once per day) at http://stateofsportawards.com/pro-olympian-female-of-the-year-2016.html.

Garrard said her “off-season” has been non-stop.

“Coaching and parenting a 3-year-old has been demanding but rewarding. I have built up a good base for the season. Now it just needs to stop snowing so I can ride my bike outside,” she said.

Garrard, who was a cross country skier in college, got back to her roots this winter.  She says the shorter, faster races remind her that she does have some fitness and speed despite feeling tired all the time while working, training, and mothering.

“The off-season keeps me fresh and excited for summertime racing,” said Garrard. “It allows me to have my best races in September and October. I always look forward to the snow and it was great to have a better snow year this year and get out on cross country skis more than 2015.”

Garrard says her goals for 2016 are to “enjoy racing, take chances, improve my power on the bike, and start a junior triathlon program in Utah.”

The XTERRA Tribe can expect to see her back in action this May at the XTERRA Oak Mountain off-road triathlon May 21 in Pelham, Alabama.

The post Emma Garrard Up for Utah Governor’s State of Sport Award appeared first on XTERRA.

Source | Back to News