Junior Team
Where the story begins. Every USA TRI athlete started somewhere. For the next generation, it starts here.
The USA TRI Junior Team is the foundation of the U.S. elite triathlon pathway, built for young athletes with the talent and drive to one day race on the world stage. For developing athletes with the potential to reach elite, Olympic, and Paralympic levels, our junior programs are built around what matters most early on: learning the sport, growing as an athlete, and falling in love with the process.
Olympic medalists. Paralympic champions. Podium finishers. They all started as junior athletes with a dream. The path is here.
Whether you're a young athlete chasing a dream or a family helping them get there, USA Triathlon is here for every step.
Youth & Junior Elite
LEARN MORE, opens in a new tabTalented Youth (ages 13-15) and Junior (ages 16-19) athletes have the opportunity to learn from the best USA Triathon Certified Coaches, join a high performance team and race elite competition to help fuel their development in the sport.
Most Junior Elites are encouraged to finish out their eligibility in the junior division before advancing to the U23 races, which are often competed at the longer Olympic-distance.
Learn more below and for more information, please email juniors@usatriathlon.org.
Development Pathways
Learn MoreThe USA Triathlon Development Pathway maps out how athletes can advance through the sport at every stage.
From youth and high school racing to collegiate, NCAA, and elite levels, the pathway highlights the programs, competitions, and training environments that support growth.
Whether your goal is local success or the Olympic Games, this framework shows the opportunities available to help you get there.
High Performance Teams
2025 CRITERIA AND APPLICATION, opens in a new tabThe USA Triathlon High Performance Team program aims to increase the number and quality of developmental programs serving teenage and developmental elite athletes across the nation.
HPTs play an integral role in the identification, recruitment, development, and age-appropriate competitive preparation of emerging Youth, Junior, and U23 athletes. These teams also maintain strict adherence to USADA and Safe Sport standards.
The USA Triathlon Junior National Series is designed to develop athletes ages 13 to 19 in the draft-legal triathlon format. Numerous U.S. Olympians and World Class triathletes got their start in this program. The series typically consists of five qualification races leading to the USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals.
Learn more about the Junior National Series and see the 2027 schedule here.