USA Triathlon Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate, however, USA Triathlon acknowledges that historically we haven't done enough to combat the systemic barriers that have faced the Black community. Inclusivity Starts With Us is one of the principles of our DEIA initiative and we must continue to live up to its calling of turning words of support into actions for change. This Black History Month, we are highlighting groundbreaking moments, individuals committed to change, and athletes paving the way for future generations while simultaneously acknowledging how far we all still need to go.
Our efforts this month will highlight HBCU programs as well as Black athletes, coaches, race directors, focused clubs, officials, race announcers, Team USA athletes and para athletes. We will share this through email, social media and usatriathlon.org.

BLACK AHTLETES FIGHTING FOR CHANGE

Sika Henry is Paving the Way for Black Female Athletes

In May 2022, Sika Henry became the first Black female US Elite Athlete. he has broken through barriers in triathlon and shown the next generation of athletes what is possible.

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Hello I'm Sadé Smith and I want to Talk About the Importance of Representation

Sadé Smith is a sophomore at Daemen College and a member of the women's collegiate triathlon team. Sadé shares her experience in the sport, and how, as a Black woman, she hopes to change the demographics of the sport to include more minority athletes.

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Hampton University Press Conference Photo

Triathlon Programs at Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

In October of 2018, Hampton University became the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to add Triathlon as a Varsity Women's Program.

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Max Fennell, the First Black US Professional Triathlete, is Shaping the Future of High Performance Pathways for Black Athletes

Max Fennell became the first Black US Professional Triathlete in 2014. Since then, he has been advocating for the grow of opportunities for Black athletes in high performance sport. In 2019, USA Triathlon caught with Max Fennell for a Q&A on topics ranging from Diversify the sport to his time on the CBS reality show, Million Dollar Mile.

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Michanda Myles Wants You to Tri!

Michanda Myles believes Triathlon is for everyone! In her weekly podcast, Tri Beginner's Luck, Michanda talks with coaches, professional athletes, beginner athletes, race and event directors and announcers, triathlon media, and other industry leaders who share their beginner stories, and what it takes to be successful in this sport - and life. Tri Beginner’s Luck is the podcast and community you need to start and continue your love affair with the Triathlon lifestyle!

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Award Winning Author, Nia Obotette is Changing the Future by Showing Black Kids They Belong

Nia Obotette is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin resident, and HBCU graduate of Tuskegee University. Over the years Nia has organized and coordinated cycling and running meet-ups with local groups like Black Girls Run and Black Girls Do Bike. She has been inspiring and encouraging ladies to increase their fitness by participating in marathons, duathlons, and triathlons. In 2013 Nia completed her first triathlon, which inspired her to encourage others to try the sport. Swimming, biking, and running has proven to be both challenging and rewarding. Now Nia is looking to inspire a younger generation and to continue to encourage those new to Triathlons to make it to the finish line.

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