U.S. Elite Triathletes and Elite Paratriathletes to Race at World Triathlon Series Yokohama on May 16

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Elite triathlon racing resumes this weekend as 26 U.S. elite triathletes and elite paratriathletes will compete in Yokohama, Japan, on Saturday, May 16, at the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama and 2026 World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama.   

Yokohama marks the first combined World Triathlon Championship Series and World Triathlon Para Series event of the 2026 season, while also serving as the second race of the year for both circuits following the World Triathlon Para Series Devonport on March 11 and the World Triathlon Championship Series Samarkand on April 25. 

The event will take place at Yamashita Park where elite triathletes will race an Olympic distance triathlon consisting of a 1500-meter swim in the Yokohama Port, followed by a 40-kilometer bike, and a 10k run. Elite paratriathletes will complete a 750-meter swim, followed by a 20k bike and 5k run. 

Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist Taylor Spivey, who led the U.S. women placing fifth in Samarkand, headlines a deep U.S. women’s field that also includes Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen and Paris 2024 Olympian Kirsten Kasper, alongside rising talents Erika Ackerlund, Kelly Wetteland, and Danielle Orie. 

The men’s start list features a list of up-and-coming elite triathletes, including John Reed, Reese Vannerson, who competed in the World Triathlon Cup Chengdu on May 9, Darr Smith, and Chase McQueen, who led the U.S. men last year in Yokohama, placing 13th. 

"Last year’s race definitely gives me a lot of confidence ahead of this year's race," McQueen said. "I think this is my fourth time racing here now, so I know the course and the area better than almost any race on the circuit. That makes a big difference for us — being comfortable with the training during race week, the food, the travel, and even just knowing how my body responds to the jet lag coming over to Japan. I’ve seen almost everything on this course - rain, sun, humidity, breakaways, big groups, etc. I feel prepared and confident that I have the experience to be ready for anything." 

USA Triathlon Mallow U25 Development Team athletes Blake Bullard and Braxton Legg, also fresh off their Chengdu appearances, are set to line up for their first World Triathlon Championship Series start. 

For the World Triathlon Para Series start list, two-time Paralympic medalist Kendall Gretsch (PTWC) heads to Japan for her first triathlon race of the 2026 season following a standout winter performance in para biathlon and para Nordic skiing at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games. The two-sport star won three medals in Milan, including gold in the sprint pursuit.  

She is joined by Paralympians Hailey Danz (PTS2), Grace Norman (PTS5), and McClain Hermes (PTVI), guided by Kirsten Sass, along with Virginia Ogburn (PTS5), Emi Perry (PTWC), Skyler Fisher (PTWC), and Taylor Talbot (PTVI), guided by Amy Cymerman. 

The U.S. elite paratriathlon men’s field includes Paris Paralympic medalists Mohamed Lahna (PTS2) and Mark Barr (PTS2), as well as rising national talent Zachary Osborne (PTS3). 

See the full World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama start list here, and the World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama start list here. 

WTCS Yokohama is the last World Triathlon event before the LA28 Olympic qualification period begins on May 18.