Junior & Junior Elite
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.
Championships
Information about Junior Elite Nationals, Pan American, and World Championship events and qualification.
Junior Development Camps
2010 USAT designated Junior Select Camps
Junior Elite Cups
Junior Elite Cups are draft-legal, sprint distance triathlons that mimic Olympic Games-style elite triathlon.
Regional Junior Elite Cups
Regional Junior Elite Cups are USA Triathlon’s entry-level, draft-legal junior elite triathlons.
Junior Development Races
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.
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.
Junior Performance Plan
Information about the USA Triathlon Junior Performance Plan.
High Performance Teams
The goal of the USA Triathlon High Performance Teams Program is to increase the number and quality of developmental programs serving teenage and developmental elite athletes across the nation.
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.
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.
Regional Athlete Development Coordinators (RADC)
Each of USAT's 10 regions is served by a Regional Athlete Development Coordinator whose role is to foster and coordinate events for athletes under the age of 23.
Key Contacts
Sport Performance contacts at USA Triathlon for juniors and junior elites.
