Despite fracturing six ribs in mid-April, Michael Hagen was at the start line Saturday morning for the State Games of America triathlon at Memorial Park.

“Last day of ski season, I was skiing with my dad and my son, and a guy crossed my path,” the Colorado Springs resident said. “Hit me in the back and broke six ribs.”

Hagen was limited to six weeks of training, but that didn’t stop him from competing along with 277 other triathletes.

The course — for adults, a 750-meter swim, 13-mile bike ride and 5K run — did take a toll on his ribs.

“The swim was probably the toughest because of the movement that’s involved,” said Hagen, 47, who won his age division. “I was actually debating whether or not I should come out this year because of my ribs, but I’m glad I did.”

Colorado Springs resident Taylor Fogg was pretty happy she competed as well after winning the 13-14 female age division.

The 14-year-old competed in the State Games of the West last year and said she started competing in triathlons because of another sport that involves a lot of leg work.

“I started off playing soccer, then I realized I always had really good endurance,” she said. “All my goals would be shot at the last quarter of the game, and my favorite part of soccer was running. So I joined a local running club and they had a triathlon group and that’s how it started.”

A total of 278 participants raced in the State Games of America triathlon Aug. 1 at Memorial Park. Photo by Kevin Kreck