Announcing the Naming of the USA Triathlon Foundation’s James H. Smith Legacy Society and Celebrating Our Inaugural Legacy Gift

Colorado Springs, Colo. — The USA Triathlon Foundation is exceedingly proud to announce a milestone gift and the naming of a new legacy-giving society, thanks to Brenda J. Smith, a passionate and avid triathlete and multisport competitor, USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees member, and generous donor.

Brenda thoughtfully made a seven-figure gift — the inaugural legacy donation to be documented in support of the USA Triathlon Foundation — to honor and memorialize the life and values of her father, James H. Smith, who passed away on Aug. 3, 2023. The USA Triathlon Foundation will highlight the newly formed James H. Smith Legacy Society during October, National Estate Planning Awareness Month, and throughout 2025.

"Triathlon and multisport truly change lives and communities, and Brenda’s unprecedented estate gift will ensure USA Triathlon’s continued support of a thriving sport. Her investment will undoubtedly inspire other legacy supporters," said Victoria Brumfield, USA Triathlon CEO. "A gift through the USA Triathlon Foundation’s James H. Smith Legacy Society is a mission-driven and strategic way to reflect donor values and empower future generations of athletes!"

A longtime triathlete and multiple-time IRONMAN finisher, Brenda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022 — and her health journey moved her to think not only about her future, but also her values and the legacy she wanted to leave. Faced with many options to make an estate gift, Brenda chose the USA Triathlon Foundation, the charitable arm of USA Triathlon, as the beneficiary of her insurance policies.

“That is what is so especially remarkable about this gift,” said Christi-Marie Butler, USA Triathlon Foundation Chief Development Officer. “When she was facing the scariest time of her life, she thought about how to help others. Sometimes philanthropy is an expression of love. And sometimes it is simply raw courage.”

“I get to give back to the sport that has given me so much,” said Brenda, who has served on the USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees since 2019. “A planned gift has a long-term impact, and most people don’t realize how easy it can be to make a substantial gift with assets you already have. It can be a quiet way to give back beyond what you ever thought possible.”

Since it was established in 2014, the USA Triathlon Foundation has provided millions of dollars in grants to organizations and individuals in pursuit of its mission and three pillars — Encourage youth participation; Inspire pathways to access and inclusion; and Ignite Olympic/Paralympic dreams. Brenda’s thoughtful, milestone gift will support the Foundation’s mission for years to come.

For more information or to join us with a legacy gift, contact Christi-Marie Butler, Chief Development Officer of the USA Triathlon Foundation, at christi-marie.butler@usatriathlon.org or (719) 313-0167.

About USA Triathlon Foundation

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 provided millions of dollars in grants to organizations and individuals in pursuit of its mission and pillars to create a healthier United States through triathlon.

About USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon, paratriathlon, and indoor and virtual multisport events in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 3,500 events and races and connects with and supports more than 300,000 unique active members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Triathlon World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.