USA Triathlon Foundation Launches $28 Million Elevate28 Fundraising Campaign, Fueled by $1 Million Gift From Triathletes Michael and Audra Mallow

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Triathlon Foundation today announced a $1 million gift from longtime athletes and donors Michael and Audra Mallow in support of the newly launched Elevate28 campaign, a bold initiative to raise $28 million through 2029 to elevate the sport of triathlon nationwide in the lead-up to and following the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games. The gift was revealed at the Elevate28 kickoff event on Jan. 17 in Venice Beach, California — the competition location for triathlon at the LA2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games — in front of major donors, U.S. elite athletes and fans. 

Elevate28 is a transformative campaign designed to strengthen the entire triathlon pipeline in the lead-up to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, investing in youth participation, adaptive and development opportunities, and elite performance. The campaign marks a pivotal moment for the sport, with the Olympic Games returning to the U.S. for the first time in more than 30 years. Triathlon kicks off the LA28 Olympic Games as the first medal event, with the women’s individual triathlon scheduled for July 15, 2028, at the iconic Venice Beach.  

“All eyes will be on triathlon at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, giving us an incredible opportunity to share the life-changing power of our sport,” said USA Triathlon CEO Victoria Brumfield. “Elevate28 is more than a fundraising effort. It is a movement to elevate the entire triathlon community by preparing our athletes for success at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond, inspiring future generations, and ensuring triathlon becomes one of the most accessible, inclusive, and thriving sports in the United States.” 

The Mallows bring a long list of accomplishments to the sport, including multiple IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 finishes. They are deeply involved in the local triathlon community in Los Angeles and have been longtime supporters of the USA Triathlon Foundation. Together, their passion for racing and philanthropy has made a lasting impact on the sport. 

The Mallows' gift to help launch the Elevate28 Campaign is transformational. Their contribution provides immediate momentum for Elevate28 and sets the tone for the impact the campaign aims to achieve over the next four years. Jason Rizzi, Chief Development Officer at the USA Triathlon Foundation, expressed the importance of this gift. 

“Launching Elevate28 with this level of leadership support sends a powerful message: that triathlon’s future is worth believing in, and worth investing in, together,” Rizzi said.   

“Triathlon and our triathlon community have been a huge part of our lives for many years, and we’re thrilled and honored to lead the USA Triathlon Foundation's ambitious and critical Elevate28 fundraising campaign,” said Audra and Michael Mallow. “Elevate28 benefits the entire triathlon community, inspiring future generations of athletes and enabling our U.S. elite athletes to chase LA28 Olympic and Paralympic gold. We encourage the multisport community to join us in supporting the athletes, programs and communities that make this sport so special by investing in the USA Triathlon Foundation."  

Through Elevate28, the USA Triathlon Foundation will invest in four key areas to drive lasting growth and impact across the sport: 

• Fueling Olympic & Paralympic Dreams: Supporting world-class coaching, facilities, scholarships, international competition, equipment, technology and sport science to build a strong, sustainable pipeline of elite athletes. 
• Expanding Youth Participation: Growing youth triathlon nationwide through programs such as USA Kids Tri, the Youth State Series, and Splash & Dash races, while expanding access through school and community-based initiatives. 
• Advancing Belonging & Access Opportunities: Breaking down financial, physical and cultural barriers through grants that support beginner athletes, adaptive athletes and community programs. 
• Responding Rapidly to Emerging Needs: Enabling USA Triathlon to act with agility in supporting development athletes, enhancing daily training environments and scaling high-impact initiatives across the sport. 

With the launch of Elevate28 and the generous gift from Michael and Audra Mallow, the USA Triathlon Foundation is building momentum for a strong future, supporting athletes on the road to LA28, inspiring the next generation, and growing the sport nationwide. 

To learn more about Elevate28 or donate to the USA Triathlon Foundation, visit the USA Triathlon Foundation's website here.