If you've been following this website recently, you probably already know that an entirely new format of triathlon competition was introduced to the world in Des Moines, Iowa, a couple weeks back called the mixed team relay.  Teams are comprised of four athletes; two women and two men.  Each athlete completes a super sprint triathlon before tagging the next and so on.  This is max effort, crash and burn, take no prisoners racing. 

When USAT learned that the minimum age for competing at this inaugural world championship was 16, we decided to invite a few of our quickest juniors to compete.  Kate Ross, our reigning junior champ, joined with a group of elite athletes.  However, one team was comprised entirely of juniors from the Multisport Madness team out of Illinois.  Today I introduce three guest bloggers from that team to share their experiences...Jennifer Howland, Jessica Clay and Ben Kanute. 

Jennifer Howland...

"June 28, 2009, is a day in my life I will never forget.  The words fear and excitement can't begin to describe the way I was feeling that morning.  As a 16 year old, having the privilege to race with my teammates against the best triathletes in the world...priceless.  

Starting with my swim, I knew I need to be tough.  I was pummeled relentlessly.  I swam my fastest, but seemed to be getting nowhere.  I tried to reposition only to find I'd been left behind going into T1.  Geez...this was not where I had planned to be.

I lost my balance mounting my bike and almost went down.  Panic set-in.  With all my inner strength, I took off to catch a pack that had no intention of being caught.  It was a lonely, lonely, lonely ride out there without a draft pack.  I pushed as hard as I could while riding solo, my legs were burning.  I kept thinking of my teammates waiting for me.

I flew into T2, dismounted fast and ran like I had never run before trying to make-up time.  I learned quickly how relays are all about racing without error.  There is no time to readjust, everything is done extremely quick and calculated.  Seconds lost become minutes, and minutes can't be made-up.   

The pride I felt walking into the stadium with my teammates and representing the USA was unforgettable.  As the "young guns," we entered with excitement and awe at the magnitude of the race we'd been invited to compete in.  It was an unforgettable moment that will last a life time in my memories from a sport that I love."

 From Jessica Clay...

"Before the race began, each relay was lined up in order ranking.  Of course, our team was seeded last in a field full of Olympians!  While standing behind our American flag, Sara Haskins came over to introduce herself and gave us advice for the race.  She said to have fun and enjoy the experience.  It was so amazing just to talk to a triathlete like Sara Haskins.  I was impressed by her nice personality and supportiveness for us as junior competitors in this elite race.  

As Ben, Lukas [Verzbicas], Jenn and I paraded out through the transition area, the crowed went wild.  We were introduced as "America's Young Guns".  We weren't Olympians; just four kids from the Fox Valley [IL].  The crowd went wild because of the three letters stamped across our chests, U..S..A. The support from the spectators sent chills up my back and I couldn't stop smiling.  These were the moments of the race that I enjoyed the most. Even though our relay was behind for a majority of the race, each time I passed through transition the crowd cheered.

The support and excitement was not only evident in the spectators, but the athletes as well.  Triathlons are mainly an individual sport and they do not involve nearly as much teamwork as other sports require.  The relays allowed teamwork to be incorporated into the sport of triathlon.  It allows competitors to come together and combine their talent into a race.  

 Competing at the elite level showed me the intensity and years of hard training that the professional athletes go through to develop such speed.  They find ways to push themselves past the limit of exhaustion and continue pushing throughout the entire race.  Racing these great triathletes has given me that much more determination and passion to work harder each day, hoping to eventually achieve that professional status."

From Ben Kanute...

"On June 28^th I had one of the greatest opportunities of my life.  I was able to race with Olympians; people who I've watched on TV, or in videos on the computer.  For one day I was considered "elite" like them.  What made it even better was that it was the Triathlon Team World Championships.  My first elite race and it's a world championship.  I was so excited I could barely sit through dinner the night before.

 One of the coolest moments on race day was right before the teams were called out. Sarah Haskins came back to the end of the line where my team was and told us good luck and to have fun.  Another great moment was when I got to meet Matt Reed and Jarrod Shoemaker after the race.  It was also fun to see all of my idols walking around in front of me.

 Racing on a relay team is different than when you're racing for yourself.  I come from a swimming background and the relays are always exciting because everyone has to race well for the team to excel.  It makes the race more exciting and it's a ton of fun to cheer on and watch your teammates.  This race was even better than a swim relay since we all had to do our own super-sprint triathlon."