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<div><strong>Lucas has earned his place at the elite level of Paralympic sport.</strong>
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<div>This year, staying in the race depends not on talent or effort, but on access to required international competition.
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<div>Many of you have followed Lucas’s athletic journey and cheered him on over the years. Today, he is training full-time at the U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, working toward qualifying for the Paralympic Games and facing a challenge that has nothing to do with talent, effort, or determination.
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<div>This year, Lucas must compete in required international qualifying events in order to remain eligible for Paralympic consideration. These competitions are how athletes earn world ranking points and demonstrate readiness at the elite level. While Lucas’s daily training is supported by the residency program, the costs of competition fees, international travel, lodging, meals and some specialized equipment are not.
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<div><strong>That’s where this GoFundMe comes in.</strong>
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<div>We are raising funds to support Lucas’s 2026-2027 International Qualification Campaign, beginning with a <strong>potential international race</strong> <strong>in Japan this May, pending release of the official start list,</strong> and extending through the competitions he earns the right to race in as the season unfolds.
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<div>Lucas needs <strong>$4,000 by April to be ready to travel to Japan, and up to $19,000 total </strong>to remain eligible and competitive throughout the year.
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<div>Without this support, he would be forced to pause competing; and if he can't compete, he can't qualify. It's that simple.
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<div>This isn’t about ability.
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<div><strong>It’s about access.</strong>
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<div><strong>Who Lucas Is (<em>For Those Who May Be New Here</em>)</strong>
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<div>Lucas Jundt began his life in a Chinese orphanage, born without fibulas in either leg. Looking from the outside, his options appeared to be limited.
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<div>In 2011, he became part of our family, and everything changed... for all of us.
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<div>From the beginning, Lucas loved sports of any kind. Showing a fierce, and joyful determination, he never let his differences get in the way.
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<div>In 2018, fresh with his first set of running blades, Lucas discovered adaptive athletics; and he never looked back. Soon thereafter, he made a decision that felt natural to him, even if it surprised us and others:
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<div><strong>He wanted to be an Paralympic athlete!</strong>
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<div>A bi-lateral amputee, Lucas began training and competing with a will. Over time, what began as a dream steadily led him further than anyone could have imagined. In 2025, he was selected to join the residency program at the <strong>U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Training Center</strong>; to train full-time in Colorado Springs, alongside other elite athletes and coaches.
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<div>In his first international season as a para-triathlete, Lucas didn’t just show up; <strong>he won gold</strong> at the <strong>Americas Triathlon Para Championships</strong>, placed top ten at a <strong>World Triathlon Para Cup</strong>, and now ranks <strong>21st in the world</strong>.
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<div>These results only confirmed what his coaches already knew: Lucas belongs on the world stage!
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<div>This is no longer a distant dream. It is real.
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<div>And it is happening now.
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<div><strong>He has earned this moment.</strong>
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<div><strong>Why Lucas Is Ready</strong>
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<li><strong>Trains full-time in a residency program at the U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Training Center</strong> in Colorado Springs
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<li><strong>Gold medalist</strong> at the Americas Triathlon Para Championships
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<li><strong>Top-10 finish</strong> at a World Triathlon Para Cup event
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<li><strong>Currently ranked 21st in the world</strong> in his classification
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<li>Competing in <strong>international qualifying races</strong> required for Paralympic consideration
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<div><strong>He’s ready. He just needs access.</strong>
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<div><strong>Why These Races Matter</strong>
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<div>The Paralympic qualification process requires athletes to compete consistently at international events in order to earn ranking points and demonstrate readiness at the elite level. These races aren’t optional, and they aren’t guaranteed.
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<div>As Lucas puts it, “<em>Every international race is a gate. You don’t get to skip it, and you don’t get invited unless you show up ready.</em>” He has done the work to be ready. What remains is access to the races themselves, where opportunity is earned through participation, not potential.
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<div>Each race Lucas competes in is a proving ground. His results determine whether he is invited to the next international competition. These opportunities often arise with little notice, which means preparation and funding must be in place before outcomes are known.
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<div>This campaign supports Lucas’s full qualification pathway: covering confirmed races, potential invitations, training, and the travel required to compete at an elite international level. If circumstances change, funds will continue to be used exclusively to support Lucas’s Paralympic athletic development and readiness.
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<div><strong>Why We’re Asking for Support Now</strong>
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<div>In 2026-2027, his elite Paralympic qualification process will continue. Competing this season is essential for maintaining his residency and training status at the U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Training Center and for staying on track toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
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<div>To put it simply, without funding, he cannot compete internationally—and that puts everything at risk.
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<div>These races are not optional, and they are costly.
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<div>The first anticipated <strong>international race is this May in Japan</strong>. Competing this season and remaining eligible depends entirely on Lucas being able to cover costs for travel and competition this season. Possible competitions are in Japan, Chile, New Zealand, and Germany. Also, Milwaukee, Wisconsin which is close to home.
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<div>Without funding for travel, entry fees, and support, he cannot compete internationally—and that puts everything at risk.
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<div>This GoFundMe exists for one reason:
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<div><strong>to ensure that finances are not the barrier to stopping Lucas’s journey.</strong>
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<div>Every contribution, large or small, directly supports Lucas’s ability to compete, earn ranking points, and continue pursuing a goal he has worked years to reach.
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<div><strong>Funding Goal</strong>
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<div>Lucas’s required international racing season totals $19,000 in essential expenses, including travel, competition fees, lodging, meals, and logistics. The most time-sensitive need is <strong>$4,000</strong> to support a <strong>potential international race in Japan this May, pending release of the official start list.</strong> If we exceed our goal, any additional funds (<strong>up to a $20,000 stretch</strong>) will directly support nutrition, recovery, equipment and unanticipated competition-related costs, ensuring that finances are not the reason Lucas’s season has to pause.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<li><strong>Donate</strong>, if you’re able
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<li><strong>Share</strong>, to help reach others who would be inspired by Lucas’s journey
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<li><strong>Encourage</strong>, because your words <em>truly</em> matter
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<li><strong>Pray</strong> for Lucas at this important time in his life
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<div>Lucas is giving this everything he has. With your support, you help make it possible for him to stay in the race and to know that his goals matter. Nothing is guaranteed, but he has earned the chance to try. If you feel led, please consider supporting or sharing.
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<div>Thank you for being here and for walking alongside Lucas at this important moment.
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<div><strong><em>With deep gratitude,</em></strong>
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<div><strong><em>The Family of Lucas</em></strong>
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<div><strong>How Funds Will Be Used</strong>
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<li><strong>International Competitions:</strong> Travel, registration, lodging, meals, and ground transport for required qualification races
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<li><strong>Nutrition &amp; Recovery:</strong> Supporting the demands of elite-level training
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<li><strong>Physical Therapy &amp; Maintenance</strong>: Helping Lucas stay healthy and competitive throughout the season
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<div><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong>
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<div><strong>Why are you raising funds for races that aren’t guaranteed yet?</strong>
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<div>International Paralympic competition is earned one race at a time. Each result determines whether Lucas is invited to the next event. Because invitations often come with little notice, preparation and funding must already be in place.
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<div><strong>What races might Lucas compete in?</strong>
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<div>Lucas’s first anticipated international race is in <strong>Japan this May.</strong> Additional races depend on ranking results earned throughout the qualifying season.
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<div><strong>What happens if Lucas doesn’t qualify for every race?</strong>
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<div>All funds will continue to be used exclusively to support Lucas’s elite athletic development moving forward, plus training, recovery, equipment, and future qualification opportunities.
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<div><strong>Why can’t you do separate fundraisers for each race?</strong>
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<div>There is often not enough time between races to fund raise without impacting training. This single campaign allows Lucas to respond quickly when opportunities arise. Also, we didn’t want to wear out our amazing donors.
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<div><strong>Is Lucas being paid to compete?</strong>
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<div>No. Like many Paralympic athletes, Lucas is required to fund his international competition independently.
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<div><strong>Has the Japan race been officially confirmed?</strong>
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<div>Final start lists for international races are typically released two weeks before competition. Lucas is training and preparing with strong confidence that he will be selected. Funds raised now ensure he is fully prepared and able to respond immediately once selections are announced.
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Help Lucas Stay in the Race - Paralympic Campaign

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Help Lucas Stay in the Race - Paralympic Campaign

Still $1,541 to go. Help us build momentum.