‘Our Own Michael Phelps’: Evanston Physical Education Teacher Wins 2nd Straight Chicago Triathlon

An Evanston physical education teacher and soccer coach defended his title in the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon this year.

Over the weekend, Jeremy Rielley finished the .93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run in 2 hours, 0 minutes and 39 seconds over the weekend. It was the second consecutive win in the event for Rielley, who teaches physical education at Dawes and Orrington elementary schools and coaches soccer at Evanston Township High School.

"I was happy with my time," said Rielley, who was competing in the Chicago event for the fourth time, having been in the Olympic Distance race three times and the Sprint once. "I had a few hiccups during the race that cost me a few seconds but the most important thing was coming away with the win and I made sure to race hard and smart to put myself in position to do that."

Rielley, who has been competing in triathlons for about six years, beat out about 7,000 other athletes competing in the race.

His achievement was recognized at a District 65 board meeting this week, where Superintendent Paul Goren referred to the educator as "our own Michael Phelps," according to an Evanston Now report.

Earlier in the summer, Rielley placed second overall in the Ironman 70.3 Steelhead competition in Southwest Michigan and now has his focus set on the Ironman 70.3 World Championships next September in Chattanooga, Tenn. and in the nearer future, the Chicago Marathon in October.

But a "three-peat" in the Chicago Tri is on his mind as well.

"Obviously being from Chicago, a three-peat means something way bigger with the Bulls and Michael Jordan making their runs during the 90’s," he said.

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