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Hazy
Joined: 28 Jun 2006
Posts: 5
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Noticed that the USAT website lists the upcoming 2006 Youth National Championships in Wisconsin but doesn't mention the recently held USAT Youth Elite and Junior Elite National Championships (which took place on Aug 5 as part of the Park City Mossman Triathlon in Bridgeport, CT.)
I'm confused as to why both events would claim to be a "USAT Youth National Championship". (And while the one in CT is designated "Elite", the qualifications state that "this event is open to all USA Triathlon members who fulfill the age requirements. No pre-qualification is needed." so an "ELITE" status doesn't seem to be the difference. )
Not that it really matters since it should simply be about kids having fun and getting introduced to multi-sport competition...just the same, I was curious.
Thanks. |
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SKelley
Joined: 24 Mar 2005
Posts: 10
Location: MA
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The fundamental differences between the two national championships are:
1. Youth Elite National Championship is contested in the draft-legal (ITU-style) format, while Youth Nationals follows the traditional non-drafting rules, and
2. Youth Elite Nationals is limited to 13-15 year olds, while Youth Nationals has age divisions 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15.
USAT uses the Junior Elite and Youth Elite monicker to identify events that are draft-legal. Athletes competing in these events must follow ITU rules. In addition to drafting on the bike, the rules also impact bike set-up, uniforms, and transition format. In essence, these races prepare our up-and-coming "youth" for national and international competition...hence the use of the word elite. For all juniors, World Championships is a draft-legal event. Our current junior elite national champion is a former youth elite national champion who has benefited from the progressive developmental process of these races.
At present, we have not needed a qualification system for youth elite and junior elite nationals because we have not exceeded the typical field limits for draft-legal racing (about 80 athletes per race division). However, we've experience 25%+ per year growth at this race format over the past 4 years and will likely need a qualifying process in the near future. We had 50+ junior elite boys at this year's nationals.
Youth Nationals offers a great introduction to national competition for all of our 15 and under athletes. It provides not only a competitive opportunity (and a feeder to the youth elite level), but also an opportunity to have fun, meet peers from around the country, and learn more about the sport. At all levels, we strive to promote the multisport lifestyle and what better place to begin than with our kids.
Hope that answers your question.
Steve Kelley
Athlete Development Coordinator |
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_________________
Steve Kelley
USA Triathlon
Athlete Development Coordinator
steve.kelley@usatriathlon.org
www.usatriathlon.org |
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Hazy
Joined: 28 Jun 2006
Posts: 5
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Thanks for the clarification.
One follow-up: Have locations been determined yet for next year's YOUTH Nationals? |
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SKelley
Joined: 24 Mar 2005
Posts: 10
Location: MA
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