Q&A with Denver’s Triathlon National Champion Maira Carreau

NCAA National Champion Triathlete Maira Carreau, an emerging star fresh from La Prairie, Quebec, Canada, chatted with LetsGoDU to share her incredible story and her plans for DU Triathlon.

LetsGoDU: What has life been like since winning the NCAA Individual championship?

Carreau: It’s been a whirlwind – I’m not going to lie. A lot of attention in a very short time. The coverage on NCAA Triathlon has been significant. I’ve achieved other successes in the sport, but nothing quite as big as this. I’m extremely proud of the team’s performance. They raced exceptionally hard, and the collective training effort throughout the season played a pivotal role in my success. The season has been pretty intense with finals coming up this weekend. I’m looking forward to heading back home for the holidays and taking a moment to let it sink in.

LetsGoDU: When did you develop an interest in Triathlon?

Carreau: My first triathlon was at the age of 6. My dad participated in age group races, which inspired my brother and me to join in. We started with cycling and later my parents enrolled me in competitive swimming. I developed a passion for swimming as I advanced to the eastern national championship level in Canada. Around the same time, I also took on road cycling. I started transitioning into triathlons when I combined swimming and biking and realized I was a natural runner. I focused solely on triathlon about 3-4 years ago and simultaneously launched my international career.

LetsGoDU: How did you end up coming to DU?

Carreau: After I finished high school earlier in Quebec, my friend, a teammate at Denver, suggested I reach out to Barbara Perkins, who oversees the program. I took a leap of faith and emailed Barbara. Within two weeks, I had scheduled a visit to DU. The moment I stepped onto campus, I knew this is where I belong for the next four years of my life.

LetsGoDU: How did the regular season prepare you for the NCAA championships?

Carreau: The regular season provided me with a strong foundation of training which boosted my confidence going into the championship. It was a matter of refining the finer details. Triathlon often boils down to nailing those little improvements. Before nationals, we had a solid 3-4 weeks of focused training. Prior to this, I was hopping from one race to another, so the opportunity for uninterrupted training was invaluable in readiness for the NCAA championship.

LetsGoDU: What was your mindset on the race day morning?

Carreau: I felt nervous and stressed, unlike the other races this season. I was constantly reminding myself that the comprehensive training regime would pave the way for success. As Coach Perkins rightly said, ‘The hay is in the barn. Let’s light the match. Make the magic happen.’

LetsGoDU: What was your leadership style then and now?

Carreau: Every team member has something special to offer. Although I was not a team captain in my freshman year, I believe contributing my strengths and international racing experience has led to the team’s overall improvement.

LetsGoDU: As a freshman, you’ve achieved a remarkable feat. What are your aspirations moving forward?

Carreau: Winning four national titles would be a dream come true. Looking further ahead, I aspire to race on the World Triathlon Circuit and compete at my first World Cup next season. Ultimately, my biggest goal is to represent Canada at the LA 2028 Olympics. Graduating in 2027 would leave me a year to concentrate on Olympic training.

LetsGoDU: Balancing sports and academics as a freshman can be challenging. How do you manage?

Carreau: Organizing my schedule is crucial. I lay down my classes, plan training sessions, allocate study hours, and make time for friends. It’s a little more overwhelming, but a manageable arrangement.

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