USA Triathlon (USAT) and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee have announced that Dr Tekemia Dorsey, Founder and CEO of the International Association of Black Triathletes, is the recipient of the USOPC’s 2020 Rings of Gold Award.
The Rings of Gold Awards, presented annually since 1996, recognize both an individual and a program dedicated to helping children develop their Olympic or Paralympic dreams and reach their highest athletic and personal potential. The individual honour recognizes someone who has dedicated his or her life to helping young people achieve their highest athletic potential..
Tekemia Dorsey was honoured as an individual, while the George Pocock Rowing Foundation’s Erg Ed program received the program award.
Dorsey founded the Middle River, Maryland-based International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) in 2012. The non-profit organization provides advancement for urban youth, and the communities they represent, by positioning triathlon as a gateway to reduce academic and health disparities and to increase opportunities for collegiate studies, internships and economic development.
Dorsey has introduced hundreds of youth to triathlon through IABT, while also elevating their educational and career opportunities through unique multisport-related programs and activities. An author, advocate, coach and member of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors, Dr Dorsey guides her athletes in achieving goals on and off the triathlon course through the IABT Multisport Racing team, the IABT Junior Triathlon Club and the Sports Academy for Urban Youth — all of which she founded to expand opportunities for urban youth and their communities.
She is the first individual from Maryland to receive the USOPC’s Rings of Gold Award, and the fourth African American female to do so.
“Dr Dorsey has long been a trailblazer in the world of multisport, and we are thrilled to see her contributions now recognized by the wider US Olympic and Paralympic family,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO.
“Dr Dorsey’s work with IABT is so impactful because it has created increased opportunities and access for African-American and urban youth not only to participate in multisport, but also to advance their leadership skills and build academic and professional experience.
“Young athletes who come into contact with IABT are equipped with the tools to succeed both within and outside of sport – all while joining a positive, supportive and enduring community.”
“I am humbled, excited and elated to have been nominated by USA Triathlon and selected by the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee as their 2020 Rings of Gold – Individual Award Winner,” Tekemia Dorsey said. “I am even more excited to be the first to represent the great state of Maryland as an honouree.
“To the young Black and Brown girls and boys across the globe in triathlon or those who have yet to enter the sport, there is so much untapped potential awaiting your unveiling. Never would I have ever imagined as a little Brown girl growing up in West Baltimore, Maryland, that my name one day would be synonymous with Olympic and Paralympic medallists and coaches. It just goes to show you that hard work does pay off.
“To my own triathletes, BJ, Heaven and Halee, thank you for showing me how the sport can truly transform a youth life and for pushing me to be a better mom, coach, leader and advocate for urban youth in the sport. Let’s continue to go for the gold together.”
Dr Dorsey was elected in 2019 as the first African American to serve on the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. She is also a USA Triathlon Level I and Youth & Junior-certified coach, Youth & Junior Elite coach, USA Triathlon-certified race director, member of the USA Triathlon Race Director Committee and member of USA Triathlon’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Advisory Council.
This year, she authored two books related to her work with IABT. ‘A Deep Dive: An Urban Multisport Impact’ outlines her process of connecting and growing triathlon for urban youth in the Baltimore area in an effort to provide a blueprint for similar programs across the nation. ‘Empowering TRIathletes to LEAD’ explores ways in which multisport can help break the cycle of poverty in urban communities.
