Crippen Teams with TYR Through 2012

With a commitment to promoting and supporting athletes with determination and perseverance, it is with great pleasure that TYR announces Fran Crippen’s return as one of the company’s sponsored swimmers through 2012 Crippen returned to the water in February of 2009 after a six month break, in which time he contemplated retirement. Fueled with motivation to recommit himself to the open water, he rejected the idea and began the next chapter in his career that has already garnered numerous accomplishments. “Fran has always been about toughness and perseverance,” said TYR Promotions Director Matt Zimmer. “He’s a guy that has consistently found ways to come back from adversity and disappointment to achieve even higher goals. He’s the type of guy who you always want on your team. He embodies the family we strive to promote.” The 25-year-old Philadelphia, Pa. native has already situated himself at the top amongst the world’s toughest open-water competitors. At the 2009 National Championships, Crippen won his sixth national championship, this time in the 5K open-water race. With the win, he qualified to represent Team USA in Rome, Italy at the 2009 World Championships, where he successfully captured a bronze medal in the men’s 10km open-water event. For his outstanding accomplishments after entertaining the idea of hanging up his towel just months prior, The USA Swimming Foundation has nominated Crippen for the 2009 Perseverance Award at the November 22nd Golden Goggle Awards. As an 11-time NCAA All-American swimmer at the University of Virginia and now an internationally ranked open-water swimmer, Crippen looks to bring insight and education to those involved in the TYR community, striving to bring the best of both the swimming and triathlon. “Fran’s transition from pool to open water medalist gives him so much to talk about to multi-sport athletes,” added Zimmer. “The swimming portion of a triathlon is the most frightening leg for many people, and Fran has asked to take a lead roll with TYR in educating triathletes and bringing his expertise to the fastest growing sport on the planet.” Be sure to continue visiting TYR.com to follow Crippen’s continued success, as well as here to nominate him for the Perseverance Award at the 2009 Golden Goggle Awards. Polls are open through November 18th, 2009.