High Performance Teams Overview

The team will be broken into 3 distinct levels and there may be some crossover at practice based on ability level.

  • D3 Elite (includes U23, Junior and Youth Elite)
  • D3 Developmental, (athletes working toward meeting the standards of the Elite Team)
  • D3 Club (includes athletes working toward meeting D3 Developmental standards, those interested in non-drafting events, and all youth team members).

For the Youth and the Junior’s, there are Elite and non-Elite options depending on their interests, skills, and ability to meet USAT requirements. All athletes will be coached according to their personal abilities.

Youth:
Thousands of kids around the world participate in triathlon each year. Youth participation represents one the fastest growing areas of the sport today. The “Youth” age division is comprised of athletes under the age of 16, with racing age determined on December 31 of the competition year.


The focus of youth multi-sport events should be fun. Rather than emphasizing competition at this age, kids, parents, and coaches should focus on enjoyment, and on learning proper skills and healthy exercise habits that will last a lifetime.

Youth athletes have the opportunity to compete in two distinct styles of racing. Most youth athletes participate in youth-only triathlons, sometimes called “Kids Triathlons.” Age categories are generally broken down into ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15. Distances are short and intended simply to expose our youngest triathletes to basic elements of triathlon and give them a taste of the unique sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a triathlon.

USA Triathlon’s chart of recommended race distances for Youth »

Youth Elite athletes between the ages of 13 and 15 also have the opportunity to compete in draft-legal triathlons, called Youth Elite Cups. These super-sprint distance races mimic the ITU World Cup and Olympic format of racing. Youth Elites do not have to qualify for these events, but generally should have above-average swim skills, the ability to ride in a peloton, and a strong run.

Junior triathletes represent one of the fastest growing segments of USA Triathlon membership. The “junior” age division is comprised of athletes between the ages of 16 and 19, with racing age determined on December 31st of the competition year. Athletes 15 and under race in the “youth” division.

Junior athletes have the opportunity to compete in two distinct styles of racing. Most juniors participate in the traditional, non-drafting triathlon format. USAT has designated a number of non-drafting Junior Development Races around the country to serve as age-appropriate, entry-level triathlons.

An emerging group of juniors compete in draft-legal triathlons, called Junior Elite Cups. These sprint distance races mimic the ITU World Cup and Olympic format of racing. Juniors do not have to qualify for these events, nor do they need to be members of teams, but generally should have above-average swim skills, the ability to ride in a peloton, and a strong run.

USAT Junior Elite National Championships

The sole national championship for U.S. athletes between the ages of 16 and 19, the USAT Junior Elite National Championships is a draft-legal, sprint-distance triathlon that attracts the top junior triathletes from across the country. Typically held in early August, the event follows international draft-legal rules.

Field limits are 80 athletes per division. Beginning in 2010, athletes 16-19 years old (Junior Elites) must satisfy the eligibility standards before registering for the event. Click here to review these criteria. The 2010 event will also host the Youth Elite National Championships (ages 13-15). Athletes competing in the 13-15 year old “Youth Elite” division do not need to meet the new eligibility standards.

Please Contact Steve Kelley, Athlete Development Coordinator: steve.kelley@usatriathlon.org
Individual championships will take place on Saturday, August 14th and a team relay championship will take place on Sunday, August 15th, 2010 in San Diego, California.

2010 eligibility/qualification criteria from USA Triathlon »

USAT Under23 National Championships

Under-23 athletes are defined as being between 18 and 23 on December 31st and in possession of a collegiate-elite or elite racing license. A select group of athletes will comprise the D3 Multisport Developmental Elite Team, which focuses on national and international, draft-legal competition. Other members represent the team in local and regional non-drafting triathlons.

2010 eligibility/qualification criteria from USA Triathlon »

Application – email Coach Mike directly: Mike@D3Multisport.com
Team Fees »
Waiver » (PDF)
Schedule »
Code of Conduct » (PDF)