Catching up with Erika Ackerlund - The Magic5
Triathlon Trials and Training - Erika Ackerlund in Conversation with Ventum
Triathlon NCAA National Champion Erika Ackerlund - The Endurance School Interview
Introducing Erika Ackerlund - Slowtwitch Monthly Article Series Written by Erika
Erika races on the World Triathlon circuit for USA Triathlon. She secured herself a place in the sport with her first top 10 World Triathlon Championship Series result at Hamburg 2021 and is ready to tackle many more races in search of becoming her best athlete. Erika also debuted on the Superleague Triathlon circuit in 2023.
During her freshman year of college, Erika found the University of Montana Triathlon Club. With little prior training experience, but generous community support to obtain gear and travel to races, she quickly began winning collegiate races and earned her elite card. Having fallen in love with the diverse, adventurous nature of triathlon training, it soon became much more than just a college hobby. Her first elite win came at the 2017 Richmond Continental Cup. That's when Erika knew triathlon would be a big part of her future.
She has gone on to win more elite races, finish top 10 in world cups and WTCS events, and climb the world ranks in triathlon. As much as Erika's competitive spirit drives her, she absolutely lives for the long training days spent in nature. She loves the feeling of moving fast on her own two feet.
When not flying to races or training camps, Erika spends her time in Boulder, Colorado. A new home for her, Erika is excited to continue building her best community there in the mountains. She’s all in on living for sport; swimming, biking, and running her way through life.
Hometown - Helena, Montana, USA
College - University of Montana, BS Exercise Science,
Presidential Scholar, Summa Cum Laude
Volunteer - UM Biomechanics Laboratory Intern (2016-2017)
Work - livefeisty.com Intern (2020 - 2021),
slowtwitch written monthly articles (2022 - 2023)
First Collegiate Triathlon - Wildflower 2015
First Elite Win - Richmond Continental Cup 2017
Favorite Workout - long ride or run
Training Time - 20-25 hours of swim/bike/run per week
Favorite Road to Ride - Going to the Sun in Glacier National Park
Favorite Training Location - Park City, Utah + Victoria, British Columbia
Breakfast go-to - oatmeal !!
Coach - Elliot Bassett at Mountain Endurance