A thunderstorm passed through Albert Lea on Sunday morning. Rain, thunder and lightning greeted people as they woke up.

Yet the athletes came to Albert Lea for the Land Between the Lakes Triathlon. They had faith the skies would clear.

And just before 9 a.m., the rain stopped.

And just after the race began, the sunshine brightened the morning.

&8220;We have sunshine!&8221; shouted one of the organizers.

The swimmers were swimming on Fountain Lake. The water was warm &8212; 10 to 15 degrees warmer than last year. The sun was bright. It was a perfect morning for a triathlon.

We wanted to extend appreciation to the athletes who came here to participate in the Land Between the Lakes Triathlon and to the emergency personnel who stood ready to assist them.

Super work was done by the local organizers and law enforcement officers in making this weekend&8217;s event come off without a hitch.

We look forward to the triathlon next year.