Send Sean to USA Triathlon Nationals 2022

Hey everyone! My name is Sean McLoughlin. I am an age group triathlete asking for your help to compete in the 2022 USAT Nationals which will be held August 6th in Milwaukee, WI. Your donations will help cover the entry fee, travel, accommodation, & meals. But how did I end up here?

 

I have always wanted to race triathlon, but as with most new triathletes, was worried about the swim so my first race was with a team from work, Oh My Dog Daycare, in 2019. This was the Colchester Triathlon - a sprint distance triathlon and I raced the bike leg; my strongest event. My team won the race and this is where it began. My long-time friend, triathlete, and swim coach, Matt Tourville was also at this race and told me 'you're too fast for a team, you need to race on your own'.

 

 

The next week I was in the pool with Coach Matt - It was horrible! I couldn't swim 50 yards without taking a break. But with Matt's great coaching and guidance I progressed quickly and within a few months I was able to swim nearly 1000 yards non stop!

 

My first race was supposed to be Summer 2020, but, of course, all races were cancelled. Without losing hope or focus I continued training and competed in a lot of Ironman virtual races. These IMVR's were a great way to practice racing and stay focused. I ended up doing very well in some of them!

 

 

 

Fast forward to Spring 2021 and I had registered for all three races in the Vermont Sun Triathlon series: an Olympic in June, a Sprint in July, and another Olympic in August. The Olympic in June was also the Vermont State Championship . Suddenly it was June; my bike and running shoes were in transition and I was in my wetsuits on the line - my first real triathlon. I finished 3rd overall in this race with a time of 2:18:12 and won my age group! I had also qualified for USAT Nationals!

 

 

The next two races (sprint & olympic) I finished 2nd and 3rd overall and also won my age group in both races. You can see all the results Here

 

For 2022 my sights are set on an age group podium at USAT Nationals with the long goal being and overall podium finish. An age group podium would qualify me for the World Championship in Dubai this November - that is the end goal! Leading up to Nationals I will be racing the Vermont Sun Series again, Colchester Triathlon, and Clash USA 70.3 in Watkins Glen, NY.

 

And that's how I ended up here asking for support to continue this wild ride. I don't think this would have happened without the original Oh My Dog sprint team or Coach Matt's comment and encouragement. If you decide to make a donation I am truly grateful. Even if you don't, thanks for reading my story and I hope it has inspired you to try a triathlon. Who knows where it will take you!