2023 Tri Club Challenge Club Spotlights
by USA Triathlon Foundation
The USA Triathlon Club community has come together in a new nationwide initiative to drive multisport forward. The inaugural Tri Club Challenge, running from April 1 to June 30, makes an impact toward specific projects in three vital areas:
- Growing youth participation through USA Kids Tri grassroots programs
- Increasing access and inclusion in multisport through USA Triathlon’s Together We Thrive initiative
- Bolstering athlete development through the newly formed Mallow Junior/U23 National Team supporting Olympic dreams
Below we are shining a light on some of the amazing clubs that are supporting the 2023 Tri Club Challenge. Learn about how these clubs are living out their mission and making an impact in their own communities across the country.
Boulder Tri Club
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder Triathlon Club is proud to be a club for members of all ability levels. BTC offers social events, swim, bike and run training, clinics and the chance to enjoy our sport with others in one of the worlds’ biggest playgrounds for endurance sports.
New Wave Tri Club
Rockledge, Florida
New Wave Triathlon Club (Brevard County, Florida) aims to provide a diverse and inclusive community of athletes of all ages and abilities who race or aspire to race in local, National or World Championship events. The club offers group training and educational opportunities to multisport athletes to gain confidence before race day, while encouraging an active lifestyle throughout the community.
About New Wave Triathlon Club
Lightning Warriors Youth Triathlon Team
Long Island, New York
A USA Triathlon Foundation grant recipient, the Lightning Warriors are a Long Island based triathlon team focused on making the sport of triathlon available to all young athletes! Their goal is to unlock each members potential, both athletically and leadership wise.
About Lightning Warriors Youth Triathlon Team
LA Tri Club
Los Angeles, California
For athletes in Los Angeles and across the globe, LA Tri Club provides a network of information, support services, training and racing activities, friendship and fun for all ages and abilities; and in doing so, they strive to create an environment that provides Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Accessibility for everyone.
TOWER 26
Los Angeles, California
TOWER 26 provides customized triathlon coaching to enthusiasts of all levels. With over 35 years of professional coaching experience, Gerry Rodrigues founded the entity based in Los Angeles, California.
Consistently and with purpose, TOWER 26's staff of 15 experienced coaches successfully train and prepare triathletes across the globe, from beginner to professional, to “Be Race Ready.”
SelecTri
Woodlands, Texas
SelecTri is a youth triathlon team comprised of athletes ages 6 to 18 that train in The Woodlands, Texas. The athletes work collectively in a team atmosphere promoting camaraderie and spirit as well as accepting the responsibility of working towards individual and team goals.
The club is committed to building lifetime athletes - youth who are passionate about sport and support them competing to the level that they want.
SLAP Tri Team
Central Florida
Swim Like A Pro (SLAP) is a USA Triathlon team located in Central Florida with the goal of providing first-class services to athletes of all ages, speeds, and experience. Their philosophy is rooted in longevity in the sport and creating a healthy lifestyle that can become a life-long passion.
The #miniSLAPPERS is a youth team that offers 7+ hours of weekly training sessions for kids 6-17 years old. Coach Sara McLarty says, "Our goal is to make triathlon training and racing as easy to get involved with as any other youth sport—through professional coaches, organized training, team camps, and race participation. Learning to balance multiple sports helps with each athlete's confidence, skill, and time management for their future."
2023 USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador Sue Reynolds shares that the SLAP Tri Team encompasses a give-back attitude and participates in give-back projects all year. What would #SLAPPERS say to those thinking of getting into triathlon? "What are you waiting for? Get healthy, have fun, meet awesome people, explore your area, and do things you never thought you could do!"
Clermont Tri Club
Clermont, Florida
Clermont Tri Club make multisport activities accessible and affordable for the community so that individuals of all ages, abilities, and income levels can enhance personal health, elevate performance, and establish meaningful relationships.
About Clermont Tri Club
Bucks County Triathlon Club
Pennsylvania
The Bucks County Tri Club (Bucks County, PA) is dedicated to bringing like-minded adult and youth triathletes together to train and race the sports of triathlon, duathlon, Xterra and trail running.
With over 150 members, the club provides many opportunities for races, group training, social events, and community give-back activities. BCTC welcomes new members of all ability and skill level.
Turnagain Training
Anchorage, Alaska
The mission of Turnagain Training (Anchorage, AK) is to encourage multisport athletes of all abilities and ages to become more active in triathlon in a fun, team-oriented, supportive, and inclusive environment.
With help from the USA Triathlon Foundation and their local community in Alaska, Turnagain Training athletes were able to experience the fun and excitement of Zone3 Youth & Junior Nationals in 2022! Turnagain Training was also a grant recipient in 2018, supporting Alaska Splash n’ Dash races, youth equipment needs, and other local programming.
Owner and Certified USA Triathlon Coach Heather Helzer says, "I love the positive energy our youth triathlon team brings to practice every week. They work so hard, never complain and always give their full effort. Our triathlon program has grown and expanded from our local races with 20‐40 kids to now 150‐500 kids per race. It's so awesome to see the growth, passion and positivity the sport has brought our community."