National Teams

The primary objective of the National Teams Program is to provide an administrative, performance, and financial support structure to assist athletes in achieving optimal results at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and ITU World Championships.

In order for athletes to excel at these major events, it is essential that they have extensive international competitive experience and exposure to top level ITU World Cup racing. USA Triathlon’s High Performance Strategic Plan, which includes the Qualification Criteria and Performance Bonus structure, reflects a move towards rewarding athletes for performance excellence at the highest level of racing while still supporting emerging athletes who are seen as prospects for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Teams.

The Elite National Team is made up of elite/pro triathletes and divided into three levels - gold, silver, and bronze. USA Triathlon also supports Junior Elite (U19), Under 23, and Elite Development Teams.

Featured Athlete Bios

Click here to learn more about the elite athletes who are representing the United States at events around the U.S. and the world. The Elite National Team is made up of elite/pro triathletes and divided into three levels - gold, silver, and bronze. Criteria and amount of support varies year to year depending on what is proposed by the National Teams Program and approved by the United States Olympic Committee and the USAT Board of Directors.

ITU Format

The official distance for triathlon set by the International Triathlon Union is a 1500-meter swim, a 40-kilometer draft-legal bike and a 10-kilometer run. This standard distance is used for the ITU World Cup series and is featured at the Olympic Games.

Major Races

USA Triathlon's elite athletes maintain an active racing schedule each season, participating in domestic events, USA Triathlon owned events and national championships, and events on the ITU circuit. The major races are often considered the Pan American Games, the Olympic Games, and the ITU World Championship Series Events.

Qualification

USA Triathlon Olympic Team, Pan Am Games Team, National Team, Trade Team, Project 2012, Project 2016 as well as Junior and U23 Worlds Team members represent the best of the best among the triathletes in the United States. Find out how you can qualify for one of the USA Triathlon teams.

Teams

The USA Triathlon National Teams Program identifies and supports talented athletes at all stages of their development. Athletes that have proven potential to compete begin development as Juniors (ages 16 to 19) and can move up through the athlete development pipeline with a stream of continual support and education from USA Triathlon.

USADA

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) oversees all drug testing in the United States for all Olympic sports. The organization is dedicated to preserving the well-being of Olympic sport, the integrity of competition, and ensuring the health of athletes.