USA Triathlon, the official governing body for triathlons, has requested the 2nd Annual Grand Rapids Triathlon Sprint distance to be part of the USAT Talent ID Series for athletes between the ages of 15 to 19 years of age.
The purpose for the Series is to encourage more head-to-head racing opportunities for teenage athletes. Scholarships will be offered for those eligible and participating in the Grand Rapids Triathlon Sprint distance.
The national objective for the USAT is to have at least one Series race in every state; therefore, the Grand Rapids Triathlon is the only race to host a qualifying event in Michigan. The race directors have gladly accepted the USAT’s request, and are excited to offer this opportunity, as they use the Series as a training ground for young athletes aspiring to become future Olympians.
Teens registering for the Talent ID Series can do so on the registration page for the Grand Rapids Triathlon (grandrapidstri.com/register). Participants that register for the Sprint distance, and fit the age guidelines, will automatically be registered for the Series.
Note that the Sprint swim portion has been modified to 600 meters to fit the Series guidelines. However, this is the only change the Grand Rapids Triathlon had to make, as it is already a USAT sanctioned, non-drafting race.
Happy Training,
Nicole
