USA Triathlon Foundation Announces Inaugural Gwen Jorgensen Scholarship Fund Recipients

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation today announced the inaugural recipients of the Gwen Jorgensen Scholarship Fund.

Launched this June in a groundbreaking partnership with the USA Triathlon Foundation, the Gwen Jorgensen Scholarship Fund was created in collaboration with Jorgensen and her husband, Patrick Lemieux, and community philanthropist Scott Filion, to support underserved children and youth entering the sport of triathlon. The 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Jorgensen has been inspiring new generations of triathletes for more than a decade, and now she’s committed to helping the USA Triathlon Foundation and USA Triathlon in breaking down barriers to participation in the sport of triathlon.

“Gwen’s passion for triathlon and her commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes perfectly align with the USA Triathlon Foundation’s mission to break down barriers and open doors through sport,” said Jason Rizzi, USA Triathlon Foundation Chief Development Officer. “We are thrilled to celebrate this inaugural class of scholarship recipients. Their dedication, talent, and dreams embody the bright future of triathlon, and we can’t wait to see all that they will achieve.”

TeamE Multi Sport

TeamE Multi Sport is a USA Triathlon Certified youth team in Northwest Arkansas. Led by head coaches Erin and Steve Edminister, TeamE Multi Sport has grown to support more than 100 youth triathletes. Erin Edminister formerly competed in draft-legal triathlon as a member of the U.S. Elite Triathlon National Team from 2013-2018.

“We at TeamE Multi Sport believe we can change lives by providing a positive environment for kids and young adults through swimming, biking, and running. When kids love what they do, they tend to work harder, and that is when you build a strong community of leaders,” said Erin Edminister. “This grant is huge for our little team from Northwest Arkansas.”

John Victor Coimbra

For John Victor Coimbra, the sport of triathlon has given him amazing memories, friends, and experiences, he said, including meeting professional triathletes, being supported by incredible coaches, and traveling to great places.

“I am honored to be a recipient of the Gwen Jorgensen scholarship! Gwen’s dedication, commitment and accomplishments have inspired me throughout my triathlon journey.” Coimbra said. “I am also grateful for Gwen’s dedication to helping young athletes like me.”

Kendall Waltz

A para athlete, Kendall Waltz is new to the sport of triathlon. She plans to use this scholarship toward purchasing a new custom racing chair.

“My new chair will fit me perfectly and keep me comfortable as I race. I’ve found an incredible community within adaptive sports, and it truly gives me the feeling of freedom!” Waltz said.

Natalie Clutten

A youth triathlete, Natalie Clutten did her first triathlon when she was 5 years old. Her parents and brother also race, and she enjoys being able to train and race together. She loves making at least one friend at each triathlon she races. Natalie can’t wait for draft-legal racing when she turns 13. She hopes to do triathlon or cross country and track in college (while still racing triathlon like U.S. Olympian Taylor Knibb).

Avalyn Thompson 

Avalyn Thompson started competing in triathlon when she was 8 years old, and she loves the competitive atmosphere.

“My goals for triathlon in the future are to get top 10 in the JEF series and pursue NCAA triathlon at a Division I school,” she said.

Bea Makhanov

A swimmer since she was 5 years old, Bea Makhanov found triathlon about a year ago.

“This grant means so much to me! It will help me achieve my goals, especially when I can use it to cover gym and coaching fees to be able to train,” she said. “I want to go as far as I possibly can in triathlon and hope to compete at a pro level as I get older.”

Alanis Rentas

Alanis Rentas is a Junior Elite Triathlete on the SelecTri Team and intends to compete for Team USA at the World Championships in 2026.

“I love triathlon because of the encouraging environment and all of the friendships I have made along the way,” Rentas said. “I can’t be happier about this scholarship and this opportunity!”

Kayla Edwards

Her triathlon journey began as a way to test her limits, but the sport quickly grew into a passion for Kayla Edwards.

“What I love most is how triathlon mirrors life: staying steady through the hard moments, celebrating breakthroughs, and realizing how much I can grow when I don’t give up,” Edwards said.

Elizabeth Knepfel

A triathlete competing for Impact Multisport, Elizabeth Knepfel loves triathlon for many reasons.

“Mainly that it's a never-ending challenge that forces me to become physically and mentally stronger,” Knepfel said. “I have a lot of goals for next year, but mainly I'd like to qualify for Nationals again as well as catch and stay with bike packs more often.”

Elisabetta Filippi

Elisabetta Filippi is new to the sport — and has a fun, competitive rivalry with her brother.

“When my older brother decided to do his first triathlon, I, of course, had to outdo him! With this grant, I can now train in the cold and icy winter with an indoor trainer,” Filippi said. “My goal is to make it to Nationals next year!”