USA Triathlon (USAT) has officially launched Transition 3 (T3), a new elite and para elite athlete service program. This has been developed by the national governing body to provide educational, career and wellness support for professional triathletes as they prepare for life after sport.
The program offers resources to guide elite paratriathletes and triathletes preparing to transition to the next phase of their professional lives. It includes:
- A mentorship program,
- A variety of internship opportunities with USAT,
- An online professional development program, and
- Education services such as scholarship opportunities and tuition discounts.
T3 also includes mental health support through Talkspace, a leading online therapy provider, through the end of 2020. This T3 program is currently in the process of being introduced to US National Team and Toyota US Paratriathlon National Team elite athletes.
The phrase ‘Transition 3’ is a play on the two transitions that take place within a triathlon competition. “Transition 1” is the transition from swim to bike, and “Transition 2” is the transition from bike to run. “Transition 3,” then, is what takes place after an athlete’s racing career comes to an end.
“Elite athletes contribute so much to the multisport community, showing us what is possible at the highest level and representing our country with integrity on the world stage,” said Melissa Otterbein, USA Triathlon Education Manager.
“But professional athletes often face unique challenges as they transition to the next phase of their careers. By launching Transition 3, USA Triathlon aims to provide professional development resources and foster lifelong leadership skills — from the time an athlete first earns elite status to when they are ready to retire, and into their post-retirement journey from professional triathlon.”
“It’s great to see USA Triathlon invest further in its elite athletes by launching T3,” said Lindsey Jerdonek, 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman champion and former U.S. National Team member. “I recognize that I won’t race triathlon for forever — and preparing for life beyond sport, while I’m still competing, is critical in making the transition smooth.
“I’m looking forward to the development calls and mentorship program, in particular. Learning how to leverage the discipline, ability to perform and other skills I’ve acquired as an athlete into my next career will be extremely beneficial.”
T3 is aligned with Stage 8 of the USA Triathlon American Development Model (ADM), ‘Triathlon for Life’.” The ADM is an effort between the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee and its sport national governing bodies to apply long-term athlete development principles.
The following T3 resources are available to all current and retired USA Triathlon elite athletes:
Online Learning
USA Triathlon has created the USA Triathlon Certificate in Professional Development, a free online learning program for elite athletes through LearnUpon, the organization’s learning management system.
The professional development certificate is comprised of seven modules, which cover topics such as career and academic preparation, financial wellness, public speaking and long-term vision crafting, as well as stories from current and retired elite athletes on the transition process. Each module contains applied learning activities to advance skillsets in each area. There is no timeframe required to complete the course, as athletes will be able to access all materials throughout their career.
Mentorship Program
Athletes may apply to the T3 Mentorship Program to be paired with a mentor who can advise on their professional and personal goals beyond elite triathlon. Athletes will meet in-person or virtually with their mentors on at least a monthly basis, receiving feedback and accountability while achieving personal growth through proactive goal-setting exercises.
Monthly Professional Development Calls
USA Triathlon is facilitating monthly Zoom calls focused on professional development and community building within the elite and para elite athlete community, with guest speakers including retired elite triathletes and professionals across the multisport industry. Each call will feature a dedicated theme such as financial management, athlete transition and business development.
Internship Program
Elite athletes will have preferred access to internship opportunities with USA Triathlon, including remote and in-person opportunities at the USA Triathlon National Office in Colorado Springs. Positions vary in total hours and time commitment, as well as in area of interest. Opportunities may include coaching education, marketing and communications, fundraising, legal and governance, NCAA, high performance and more.
Talkspace Online Therapy
Through its partnership with USA Triathlon, Talkspace, a leading online therapy provider, is offering counselling services to US National Team and Toyota US Paratriathlon National Team athletes. Talkspace is fully online and mobile, making its services accessible from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and convenient for elite athletes who typically travel extensively during the triathlon season. All Talkspace therapists are licensed, verified and background checked.
