Neilsen's stood out in November
By Sean Pagett Friday, December 30, 2005 9:58 AM HST Throughout 2005, our Big Island athletes and fitness enthusiasts were busier than ever. We started the year with a very full slate of events and then had a few new races added on. It's been a great year, and it's definitely been nice to see different people step up to organize the new races or help out at our traditional ones. Our Frozen Pea Productions Bored Directors were very impressed by many of these outstanding sports people, and in the month of November we felt that Eric Neilsen and Karlyn Pipes-Neilsen were especially impressive. In a unanimous vote, the Neilsen's were selected as our Frozen Pea Productions Sportspeople of the Month for November. Since they moved to Kona a few years ago, this incredible duo has amazed us with their boundless energy as athletes, event organizers, volunteers and coaches. In our local swimming, running and multisport races, both Eric and Karlyn have been exceptional. They always do very well in their age groups and usually place very high in the overall standings. Karlyn, one of the best 40-44 age group masters swimmers in the United States, is so fast that she has won several overall titles at our Big Island ocean swims. She holds 49 FINA masters world records, was honored as the 2004 World Masters Swimmer of the Year and continues to dominate her age group at every pool meet or open water event she goes to. Very versatile, Eric races as a swimmer, cyclist, runner, biathlete or triathlete. He also seems to compete very well, whether it's a short-distance Peaman event or something much longer like the Honolulu Marathon. The Neilsen's' personal sports excellence has helped them become very knowledgeable and motivational coaches. We have seen many of their students make huge strides throughout the year as they become stronger and more efficient. Our FPP group has benefited from their generosity as they've both participated and volunteered at our events. They fit in perfectly with our crew, which likes to celebrate holidays in an active way. In November, the Neilsen's organized the inaugural Thanksgiving Day Wobble & Gobble. The free run/walk attracted a large group of participants, and the variety of distances made sure there was something for everybody to do. Our island is a much better place, thanks to Eric and Karlyn. Their athletic and coaching experiences are invaluable, and their generosity and enthusiasm at our local events helped to make 2005 one of our best years ever. |
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