2025 USA Triathlon Foundation Celebration of Sport Presented by TicketSocket
Aug 6, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI, USA
Welcome to the official page for the 2025 USA Triathlon Foundation Celebration of Sport, Presented by TicketSocket. This engaging event promises to be an evening of inspiration, recognition, and celebration of outstanding achievements in the world of triathlon.
Event Details
Date: August 7, 2025
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Location: Discovery World, Milwaukee, Wis.
Attire: Cocktail
Special Guests: Paralympians Carson Clough, Chris Hammer, Owen Cravens and Allysa Seely, and six-time IRONMAN World Champion, Mark Allen
Event Overview#
Join the USA Triathlon Foundation for an unforgettable evening at the Celebration of Sport presented by TicketSocket, held in conjunction with USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships. Set against the stunning backdrop of Discovery World in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the event will take place on August 7 at 5 p.m. The evening will kick off with a lively patio reception, followed by a special awards ceremony honoring the 13th class of inductees in the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, the prestigious THE ALEXANDER presentation, and awarding the Race Director of the Year. Come celebrate excellence, community, and the spirit of triathlon with us!
The USA Triathlon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the charitable arm of USA Triathlon. With its mission to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities to swim, bike and run, the Foundation serves to generate a greater impact on the multisport community through charitable giveback and grants that advance the Foundation’s three pillars: (1) Encourage youth participation; (2) Inspire pathways to access and inclusion; and (3) Ignite Olympic/Paralympic dreams. Since the Foundation was established in 2014, it has impacted the lives of thousands by providing grants to organizations and individuals in pursuit of its mission and pillars to create a healthier United States through triathlon. To learn more about the Foundation and get involved, please visit usatriathlonfoundation.org.
Schedule of Events:
- 5 p.m. - Celebration begins
- 5:30 p.m. - Welcome remarks from USA Triathlon CEO
- 7 p.m. - Race Director of the Year Award
- 7:05 p.m. - THE ALEXANDER
- 7:20 p.m. - Hall of Fame Induction
- 7:50 p.m. - Closing remarks
- 8 p.m. - Live music on patio open for mingling and dancing
Purchase your tickets here!
To purchase tickets, sponsor the event, or learn more, please email Lindsay.welker@usatriathlon.org
How does this differ from past Foundation Gala’s?
The Celebration of Sport is not a fundraising event like past years, it is a celebration of the multisport community, the legends, and the spirit of triathlon. Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a rising star, or a devoted fan, join us for an inspiring evening of recognition, connection, and celebration!
Will dinner be served?
No, a formal dinner will not be served. However, heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar is included with your ticket purchase.
Is the event indoors or outdoors?
Both!! The reception portion of the evening will take place on the patio of Discovery World overlooking the water. The awards portion of the evening will take place inside Discovery World. For those interested, live music will be back outside on the patio following the awards ceremony.
Will there be a silent auction?
Not in conjunction with the event. The foundation will have a virtual silent auction in the Fall of 2025.
Presenting Awards#
THE ALEXANDER
LEARN MORETHE ALEXANDER is presented annually at the USA Triathlon Foundation Celebration of Sport. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding individuals who excel not only in triathlon but also demonstrate exemplary achievements in academics and community service.
Hall of Fame Induction
LEARN MOREAs part of the event, the 13th class will be inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.
Race Director of the Year
LEARN MOREWe will be honoring the 2025 Race Director of the Year, Presented by TicketSocket. This award recognizes a race director who displays excellence in the USA Triathlon race director community.
USA Triathlon's 13th Hall of Fame Class#
The USA Triathlon Hall of Fame serves to recognize, honor and commemorate those individuals, groups and entities that have demonstrated excellence in every aspect of multisport and inspire others to elevate their performance, participation and involvement in multisport in their communities. Founded in 2008, the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame has recognized the best performances and contributions in the sport’s history, dating back to its origins in 1974.
Colleen Cannon was one of the top professional triathletes of the 1980s, winning the 1984 Nice World Championship and multiple national titles. A former collegiate swimmer and track athlete at Auburn University, she combined athletic excellence with a passion for wellness. In 1991, she founded Women’s Quest, a retreat program that has empowered thousands of women through active living, body confidence, and nutrition education—extending her influence well beyond sport.
Graham Fraser has been a driving force in the expansion of triathlon in North America, producing races for over 30 years. He revitalized Ironman Canada in 1995 and went on to launch Ironman North America, creating events like Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman Arizona. Fraser also helped bring triathlon to mainstream audiences through television and later founded Suitcase Charlie Films. His impact extends to hockey as well, serving as the majority owner of the Penticton Vees and former chairman of the BCHL, bridging endurance sport, media, and youth development.
Ellen Hart began her triathlon career in 2006 and went on to become one of the most decorated age-group athletes in the sport. She has won 18 World Age Group titles across triathlon, duathlon, and aquathlon, and was named USA Triathlon Athlete of the Year twice. Hart dominated the 70.3 scene with six consecutive World Championships from 2008 to 2013 and qualified for the Ironman World Championships 11 years in a row, earning eight podiums. Her standout achievement came in 2015, when she won five World Championships in just 50 days.
Paul Martin is a five-time USA Paratriathlon National Champion, four-time ITU World Champion, and a two-time Paralympic medalist in cycling. After losing his left leg in a 1992 car accident shortly after earning an engineering degree, he turned adversity into opportunity, becoming a dominant force in triathlon and Paralympic sport. Martin completed 10 Ironman races and set the Ironman world record for leg amputees in 2005, finishing in 10:09:17. He’s also the author of two memoirs, One Man’s Leg and Drinking from My Leg, which reflect his journey from foster care to world champion.
Kenny Souza was a pioneering figure in duathlon, winning eight USA National Duathlon Championships and the 1990 ITU Duathlon World Championship. Known for his charisma and competitive edge, he helped popularize the sport in the 1980s and ’90s and graced covers of Runner’s World and Competitor Magazine. After retiring in 1999, Souza remained active in endurance sports, racing events like the Race Across America and co-authoring a training book. He has continued to mentor athletes and contribute to multisport's growth both on and off the course.
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