Spartan Power Rankings: A Superstar Makes His Debut in the Top 10
Editor's Note: These rankings were published before Ohio and Bethel. For full results from those events, click here.
Every month, the Spartan Power Rankings lists the top 10 male and female racers in the world right now. The rankings are predominantly based on recent accomplishments and results, with some consideration given to overall athlete resumes and future predictors of success. They are based on some data analysis, but more so the eye test, which of course is subjective.
It's important to note that racers who have not yet completed a Spartan Sprint, Super, Beast, Stadion, or Ultra this year are not eligible for the rankings.
With only two races in May, there wasn't too much of a shakeup in the rankings this month. However, one top racer did return to the top half of the rankings after putting on a tremendous performance in his first race of the year in Austin. With six races in June, our busiest month of the year to date, we expect things to look way different in July.
Making each month's picks is none other than Spartan pro Kevin Donoghue. A Spartan Pro Team member since 2015, he has amassed more than 150 podium appearances during his illustrious career and captured 106 Age Group victories. In addition to his brilliance on the course, he's also a veteran Spartan broadcaster, having called three Spartan World Championships.
Let the debate begin!
The Top 10 Women Right Now
1. Nicole Mericle
Sadly, Nicole will miss the remainder of the Spartan season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL. The best racer in the world won her one and only race this year, in Jacksonville, and her absence will be a crushing blow. Rest up and get well, Nicole. We can't wait to see you out on the course again soon.
2. Alexandra Walker
Remember what I just said about toeing the start line? Alex is arguably putting together the best season of the year thus far. She avenged her earlier-season loss to Rose Wetzel in Jacksonville by beating her to win the Austin Super. Then, she came out the next day and took second in the Sprint.
3. Kaci Monroe
Speaking of availability and durability, Kaci showed both in extreme fashion in Montana. Seven months removed from giving birth to her second child, she won the Montana Beast and then took second in the Super! After that, to cap off an absurdly impressive weekend, she took third in the Sprint. This rare Trifecta was also accomplished while slugging it out with some of the top ladies in the Spartan ranks.
4. Myriam Guillot-Boisset
Myriam drops from second to fourth this month after not racing in May. Hopefully she gets back out there soon. (Races are always more fun when she's out there...)
5. Faye Stenning
I'm disappointed that we didn't see Faye on the course this month, as a strong performance could have catapulted her into second. Fingers crossed that she'll be at the Tri-State New York Spartan Sprint 5K Weekend on June 12-13.
6. Alyssa Hawley
With spring in full bloom, this former college softball star — and one of the most beloved Spartans of all time — came out swinging in May. After a long absence, she came out hitting frozen ropes, winning both the Montana Super and Sprint.
7. Rose Wetzel
In her first Spartan race since Jacksonville, she finished second in the Austin Super between Walker and Rugloski.
8. Kris Rugloski
After finishing third in the Austin Super, she bounced back beautifully to beat Walker the next day in the Sprint.
9. Ashley Heller
After taking fourth in the Montana Beast, Ashley finished second the following day in the Sprint.
10. Ashley O'Hara
O'Hara had a solid enough weekend in Montana, finishing third in the Beast and fourth in the Super the following day.
The Top 10 Men Right Now
1. Veejay Jones
Check out his Instagram page if you want to watch an athlete who progressively works on his craft and constantly aspires to get better. He raises the bar every time he trains, and I hope to see him back out there in June.
2. Ryan Woods
He's leading the pack of "Ryans" this month, but a few familiar faces are right behind him in the conversation.
3. Brian Gowiski
4. Ryan Kent
Welcome back, Ryan! Racing for the first time in over a year and a half, Kent won the Austin Sprint. With Stadion races beginning soon — the first one of the year, at AT&T Stadium, will take place on June 19 — expect him to threaten the men above him.
5. Logan Broadbent
6. Ryan Kempson
Both Logan and Kempson get bumped down by Kent this month. I'm hoping to see these men race again soon. They need to get out there to stay in the top 10.
7. Ian Hosek
Another Spartan icon who returned to the course for the first time in 2021, Hosek won the Montana Sprint the day after taking second in the Beast. Now that's how you kick off a season.
8. Tyler Veerman
He made his first appearance of the year at the Palm Beaches Sprint Weekend and was flawless, picking up victories on both days.
9. Victor Quezada
Quezada continued his marvelous run in Texas. He was victorious in the Austin Super and finished second — not far behind Kent — in the Sprint. In four races in the Lone Star State this year, he's reached four podiums and picked up two wins. (Back in March, he finished second in the Super and won the Sprint in San Antonio.)
10. Mark Gaudet
He needs a BIG June to stay on the list. Some heavy hitters are on the way to take his place.