Elite Development
Do you have what it takes to become a part of USA Triathlon's High-Performance pipeline? USA Triathlon’s Talent ID Program, Youth, Junior & U23 Development Program and Paratriathlon Talent ID Program teams were created to support elite and up-and-coming athletes in pursuing their athletic dreams. Learn more about the sport of triathlon and USA Triathlon's programs that can help you start your elite triathlon journey.
Elite Development Pathways
There are several paths to an elite triathlon career. Whether you're a collegiate swimmer or runner, a junior or U23 triathlete, or a paratriathlete, there's a pathway for you. Learn more below — including how to earn your elite license — and start your elite triathlon journey today.
Talent ID Program
Learn MoreFollow in the footsteps of Olympic medalists Gwen Jorgensen, Katie Zaferes and Morgan Pearson. The Talent ID Program identifies, mentors and supports former collegiate runners and swimmers with unique skillsets that could translate to success in elite triathlon.
Youth, Junior & U23 Development
Learn MoreYoung triathletes ages 13-19 — dream, plan and reach your goals! Learn about Youth & Junior Camps, high performance development teams and development races.
Project Podium
Learn MoreA daily high performance training environment, for college-aged triathletes chasing Olympic medals. Project Podium is a USA Triathlon men’s elite development program based at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
Paratriathlon Development
Learn MoreAre you a para athlete interested in elite paratriathlon? The USA Paratriathlon Talent ID Program is a high performance program that finds, funds, advises, supports and mentors Paralympic potential athletes.
How to Earn Your Elite License
If you plan to race professionally or semi-professionally, this is how to earn your elite license.
Elite Teams Qualification
Olympic and Paralympic Games Selection Process
World Triathlon Elite Event Qualification
Other Events Criteria
Project X
Project X is a USA Triathlon High Performance program that makes strategic investments in potential Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The Project X panel regularly reviews all USA Triathlon Elites with a special focus on those who are on the cusp of qualifying for National Team Funding. All Project X support is 100% discretionary and is not meant for athletes who are currently on any USAT funding programs.
If you are an athlete that falls within the description of this program, apply for support and provide as much information as possible regarding your funding request. Be sure to include an in-depth breakdown of the funds/support you are requesting and all details of what objectives you aim to achieve by receiving this funding
Equipment Donation Program
Athletes in the USA Triathlon High Performance pipeline are eligible to receive gently used multisport equipment from by USA Triathlon Foundation supporters. Athletes in need of equipment can submit their equipment needs to USA Triathlon, and staff will work to pair athletes with prospective donors. The program is free for athletes, and donors can receive a tax write-off for the value of their donation from the USA Triathlon Foundation.
More Resources
Athlete Ombuds
The Office of the Athlete Ombuds offers independent, confidential advice to elite athletes regarding their rights and responsibilities in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and assists athletes with a broad range of questions, disputes, complaints and concerns.
Phone: 719-866-5000
Email: ombudsman@usathlete.org
Website: usathlete.orgAthlete Ombuds Confidentiality and Privacy Policy:
(A) In general.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall maintain as confidential any information communicated or provided to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds in confidence in any matter involving the exercise of the official duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds. (B) Exception.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may disclose information described in subparagraph (A) as necessary to resolve or mediate a dispute, with the permission of the parties involved.(C) Judicial and administrative proceedings.—(i) In general.—The ombudsman and the staff of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall not be compelled to testify or produce evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to any matter involving the exercise of the duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.(ii) Work product.—Any memorandum, work product, notes, or case file of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds—(I) shall be confidential; and(II) shall not be—(aa) subject to discovery, subpoena, or any other means of legal compulsion; or (bb) admissible as evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding. (D) Applicability.—The confidentiality requirements under this paragraph shall not apply to information relating to—(i) applicable federally mandated reporting requirements; (ii) a felony personally witnessed by a member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds;(iii) a situation, communicated to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, in which an individual is at imminent risk of serious harm; or (iv) a congressional subpoena.
Anti-Retaliation Statement:
USA Triathlon prohibits employees, contractors, agents, volunteers, or members of the USOPC from threatening or taking action against an athlete for disclosing information to or asking for the assistance of the Ombuds
Anti-Doping
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of competition, inspiring true sport and protecting the rights of US Athletes. USADA oversees and coordinates the Olympic drug testing program in the United States. Athletes who compete, are members or license holders of an NGB, or who fall under USADA's testing jurisdiction as defined in the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement testing, are subject to testing both in and out of competition. Athlete are subject to both urine and blood testing that can occur at any time and in any place.
For more information regarding USADA's testing procedures and athlete rights and responsibilities, please visit their website www.usada.org.