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.
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Athlete Profiler
Regional Athlete Development Coordinators
Key Contacts
Recent Additions
NEW 2008 Youth Elite & Junior Elite National Rankings Protocol (added 5/1/2008)
NEW2008 Development Team and Youth Club National Championship Protocol (added 5/1/2008)
NEWYouth Elite & Junior Elite National Championships webpage (added 4/5/2008)
NEW 2008 Athlete Development Event Calendar (added 2/4/2008)
2008 FISU World University Triathlon Championships Selection Criteria
UPDATED 2008 ITU Junior Duathlon World Championship Application
Championships
ITU Junior Triathlon World Championships
USAT may nominate up to three (3) junior elite men and three (3) junior elite women between the ages of 16 and 19 to the ITU Junior Triathlon World Championships. This is a sprint-distance, draft-legal competition. Please read the qualification criteria posted below. For additional information, contact Andy Schmitz, Junior National Team Coach, andy@usatriathlon.org.
2008 ITU Junior Triathlon World Championships Selection Criteria
2008
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Thursday, June 5, 2008
750m ocean swim, 20k draft-legal bike, 5k run
http://www.triathlonvancouver.com/
www.triathlon.org
2007 Results
ITU Sprint Distance Age Group World Championships
The ITU Sprint Distance Age Group World Championships includes a 16 to 19 year old age division. USAT will nominate up to eighteen (18) male and eighteen (18) female athletes to compete in this division. This event follows "age group" rules and is non-drafting. Please read the qualification criteria posted below. For additional information, contact Steve Kelley, Athlete Development Coordinator, steve.kelley@usatriathlon.org.
2008 ITU Sprint Distance Age Group World Championships Selection Criteria
2008
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Friday, June 6, 2008
750m ocean swim, 20k non-drafting bike, 5k run
http://www.triathlonvancouver.com/
www.triathlon.org
2007 Results
ITU/PATCO Pan American Junior Elite Championships
The ITU Pan American Junior Championships is open athletes 16 to 19 years old, however, registration for this race must be coordinated through USAT and the number of US entries may be limited by ITU if field limits for the event are reached. This is a sprint-distance, draft-legal competition. The size of a country's Junior World Championship Team is determined by the number of athletes placing in the top 15 at this event. For entry information, contact Katie Baker, katie@usatriathlon.org or Andy Schmitz, andy@usatriathlon.org.
2008 PATCO Pan American Junior Championships Selection Criteria
Mazatlan, Mexico
April 19, 2008
750m ocean swim, 20k draft-legal bike, 5k run
http://www.maraton.org/
www.triathlon.org
2007 Results
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 around country. Typically held in early-August, the event follows International Triathlon Union (ITU) rules and is often used to select athletes for the ITU Junior Triathlon World Championships. Athletes are not required to qualify for the 2008 Junior Elite Nationals, although field limits may apply. The 2008 event will also host the Youth Elite National Championships (ages 13-15). Contact Justin Trolle, Athlete Development Manager, justin@usatriathlon.org with questions about this event.
2008
Colorado Springs, Colorado
August 9, 2008
750 lake swim, 20k draft-legal bike, 5k run
Youth Elite & Junior Elite National Championships webpage
Results Archive: 2007 2006 (16-19) 2006 (13-15) 2005 2004 2003 2002
Junior Elite Cups
USAT Junior Elite Cups
Junior Elite Cups are draft-legal, sprint distance triathlons that mimic Olympic Games-style elite triathlon. Each year, USAT designates three or four such events that athletes use to gain experience for international competition. These events often carry world championship qualification spots and host competitors from other nations. Athletes are not required to qualify for Junior Elite Cups, although field limits may apply. Athletes are not required to be a member of a racing team/club to compete at these events, although the events are used to award the Development Team National Champions title each year.
The following events will carry a "national" Youth Elite Cup & Junior Elite Cup designation in 2008:
USAT Des Moines Youth Elite & Junior Elite Cup
www.hy-veetriathlon.com
USAT Strawberry Fields (Oxnard) Youth Elite & Junior Elite Cup
www.strawberryfieldstri.com
USAT Youth Elite & Junior Elite National Championships
www.usatriathlon.org
NEW 2008 Athlete Development Event Calendar (added 2/4/2008)
Youth Elite / Junior Elite Call-up Protocol
Junior Elite Racing FAQ for Parents, Coaches, and Athletes
Regional Cups
USAT Regional Junior Elite Cups
Regional Junior Elite Cups are USA Triathlon’s entry-level draft-legal junior elite triathlons. These events provide athletes with an opportunity to experience draft-legal racing closer to home, learn international draft-legal competition rules, and determine if they are ready for national-level competition. Regional Cups also serve as tune-up races for athletes preparing for Junior Elite Nationals and other international events. Athletes are not required to qualify for these events. Athletes are not required to be a member of a racing team/club to compete at these events.
2008 Athlete Development Schedule of Events (Cups, Camps, Qualifiers, Championships)
Regional Youth Elite & Junior Elite Cup Designation Critera
Junior Development Races
Junior Development Races (Non-Drafting)
Junior Development Races provide a gateway into the sport of triathlon. Participants experience triathlon in its traditional, non-drafting format, officiated using USA Triathlon Rules. These sprint-distance races have been selected because of their “junior-friendly” atmosphere and age-appropriate courses. Many Regions have established Points Series and special awards associated with these races. USAT frequently reviews the results for talent identification purposes. To locate the Junior Develop Race schedule in your region, click on the website below for your USAT Region. If you have questions, contact your Regional Athlete Development Coach (RADC).
USAT Junior Development Camps
USAT has designated five National Skills and/or Select Camps for 2008. Please consult the calendar linked below for dates and locations.
2008 Athlete Development Event Calendar (updated 2/4/2008)
or go to the Camps Page
USAT Junior Elite National Rankings
Each year, USAT ranks Youth Elite and Junior Elite athletes who participate in USAT-designated and sanctioned Youth Elite and Junior Elite Cups and Regional Cups. Annual All-American and Honorable Mention honors for Youth Elite and Junior Elite athletes are determined based on this ranking .
2008 Youth Elite & Junior Elite National Rankings Protocol
2007 Youth Elite & Junior Elite National Rankings (Final)
Rankings Archive
2007
2006
2005
2004
Development Team National Championship
Each year, USAT recognizes the top performing Youth Elite / Junior Elite development team based on performance at the designated national-level Youth Elite / Junior Elite Cups and National Championships. While membership on a developmental team is not required in order to compete at these events, such racing teams add an additional dimension to the draft-legal racing experience.
2008 Development Team and Youth Club National Championship Protocol
USAT Junior National Team
Junior National Team
2008 ITU Junior Triathlon World Championships Selection Criteria
2008 Junior National Squad Selection Criteria (Deadline October 31st)
Junior High Performance Squads
The goal of the USA Triathlon Junior High Performance Squad Program is to increase the number and quality of developmental programs serving teenage athletes across the nation. The program will provide grants to seed the establishment and growth of well-organized training programs, as well as offer advanced education and experiential learning opportunities to participating USAT certified coaches. Squads will perform an integral role in the identification, recruitment, development, and age-appropriate competitive preparation of emerging youth elite and junior elite athletes, with the goal of developing well-rounded athletes capable of success at the highest levels of competition and progression within the USAT Sport Performance Program.
USAT is currently accepting applications for the 2008 funding cycle. Up to eight teams will be selected in 2008. Additional teams will be added in subsequent years.
Junior High Performance Squad Grant Program (Deadline November 30, 2007)
Junior Clubs & Teams
USAT Athlete Profiler
USAT uses the Athlete Profiler to identify athletes for invitation to Select Camps and National Team programs. The Athlete Profiler also serves as an important two-way communication tool between USAT and its younger members. Once an athlete has created a profile, they are able to update it from time-to-time with their most recent personal best times and race results. USAT often uses the Athlete Profiler to contact athletes about upcoming events and opportunities. Athletes 23 and under are encouraged to create an Athlete Profile using the link below.
www.usatdevelopment.org
Regional Athlete Development Coaches (RADC)
Each of USAT's ten regions is served by an RADC whose role it is to foster and coordinate events for athletes under the age of 23. RADCs are an excellent resource for athletes, parents,and coaches when it comes to selecting the appropriate, camp, or team. RADCs are familiar with USATs athlete development pipeline and national team programs. Many RADCs have coached youth elite and junior elite triathletes and are able to provide guidance for athletes seeking to participate in draft-legal triathlons.
Key Contacts
Justin Trolle
Athlete Development Manager
justin@usatriathlon.orgSteve Kelley
Athlete Development Coordinator
steve.kelley@usatriathlon.org
Andy Schmitz
Junior National Team Coach
andy@usatriathlon