From November of 2016 to the summer of 2017, local triathlete Jeff Irwin was intensely preparing for the Ironman event in Whistler, Canada.

USA Triathlon recently announced its 2013 Elite Triathletes of the Year awards, and among the list of the nation’s best and most promising triathletes is Hood River’s Erin Jones.

Former Hood River Valley High School cross country, swimming and track standout Erin Jones is making serious headway in the world of professional triathlons. Representing the Elite Training Academy in Colorado Springs, the 2009 HRVHS graduate won the biggest triathlon of her career last month – the Collegiate National Championship.