The 2020 USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals, initially scheduled for August 1-2 in West Chester, Ohio, have been cancelled due to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Considering USA Triathlon’s best practices for a safe return to racing, the decision was made by USA Triathlon that the event ‘could not be held in a responsible way for youth athletes without sacrificing the spirit and camaraderie of race weekend.’ The national governing body added that ‘the safety of all athletes, families, staff, volunteers and the community at large remains USA Triathlon’s highest priority.’
“We know that rising multisport stars across the country look forward to Youth & Junior Nationals each year, and cancelling was not an easy decision to make,” said Brian D’Amico, USA Triathlon Director of Events.
“However, hosting an event of this magnitude in less than two months, when we know most youth triathlon clubs across the country have not been able to gather, and pool access across the country has been limited, would not be a responsible decision for the safety of our young competitors.
“We hope our youth and junior multisport community can have fun staying active in a safe and responsible way, even without a race in their immediate future – and we look forward to gathering again in West Chester next year.”
Youth & Junior Nationals will return to West Chester’s Voice of America Park on July 31 to August 1, 2021, as well as 2022 with dates to be determined.
The event will see several changes from previous years to align with the American Development Model (ADM), an effort between the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and its sport national governing bodies to ‘apply long-term athlete development principles in a way that resonates with the culture of sport in the United States’.
Changes include expanding the Youth Age Group race to athletes up to age 18 (previously limited to ages 7-15) and removing the word “Championships” from the overall event name.
Athletes who were registered for 2020 Youth & Junior Nationals have a variety of deferral options to future USA Triathlon-owned events.
Youth Elite (ages 13-15) and Junior Elite (16-19) athletes may transfer their entry to the 2021 or 2022 Youth & Junior Nationals provided they meet the qualification standards for that year. Youth Elite and Junior Elite Nationals qualification standards will be published in USA Triathlon’s 2021 Junior Program Guide.
Youth non-drafting age-group athletes (ages 7-18) will be given the opportunity to defer to the 2021 or 2022 Youth & Junior Nationals, provided age requirements are met. These athletes may also choose to transfer their registration to a future 2021 or 2022 USA Triathlon-owned event, including:
- The USA Triathlon Collegiate Club National Championships (eligibility required in accordance with the Collegiate Competitive Rules);
- USA Duathlon National Championships;
- Toyota USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships (qualification required); or
- The Legacy Triathlon.
Coaches who have paid for a Youth and Junior Elite Mixed Relay entry will be able to defer this entry to 2021.
Registered athletes or parents will receive an email from USA Triathlon with more details about the deferral process.
www.usatriathlon.org/covid-19
www.usatriathlon.org/safe-return
