20 Names Chosen for Worlds Lottery

A USA Triathlon lottery has given 20 lucky age group athletes a spot on Team USA for the 2009 ITU Age Group World Championship in Gold Coast, Australia this September.

More than 130 people registered for the lottery, which was open to those of who competed at last year’s USAT Age Group Nationals in Portland – the only qualifier for Worlds – and to those who were members of Team USA from 2006 to 2008.

USAT National Events staff conducted the drawing on April 30, selecting one athlete from each available age group.

“We wanted to give another opportunity to athletes who perhaps just missed out on qualifying for Worlds,” said USAT Team USA Coordinator Amanda Duke. “Some athletes either couldn’t compete in Portland or they missed the qualifying standard for some reason.”

The feedback for the lottery has been positive.

Cris Cable put his name into the drawing after he finished 24th in the 30-34 age group in Portland. “I was a solid eight spots away from qualifying for Worlds,” said Cable. “I don't know when I'll get a chance even to race in the Age Group National Championship again, so this seemed like a good opportunity worth investing in.

“I think it is cool that USAT would offer this potential opportunity for the slightly less strong triathletes who competed at Nationals. I now have the opportunity to see what it's like to be part of a national team, something that I never thought would be possible for me.”

Sonja Wieck’s Team USA spot was a bit closer in Portland. “I was 19th in my age group, but when they aged me up I was just one spot outside of getting a roll down slot in the next age group up. The spot ahead of me was about 10 seconds faster. [Being a member of Team USA] is huge, a very, very big honor.”

Learn more about Team USA and the 2009 ITU Age Group World Championship.

Tags: Age Group, Olympic Distance, world championship, World Championships