Elite Junior Nationals
Donation protected
Dear Friend,
When I was 11 years old I told my mom I wanted to do an open water triathlon. She said that I had to join swim team before she would let me do one. I had already been doing a lot of cycling with my parents so this was the next step to my triathlon dreams. I grew to love swimming and had a natural talent for the sport. I did my first triathlon when I was 14 and got 2nd place in my age group which was 19 and under. I swam in the 39 and under men’s wave and I was one of the top 5 out of the water. The next one I got 1st in my age group. This fueled my passion for the sport! I did a couple more and then had the opportunity to train with an Elite team of kids, the BAM Juniors, coached by Wes Johnson. He has since supported me in my dreams and has been a tremendous help. I started thinking that I would really like to be a pro triathlete. One day on a ride with my parents and some of their friends we saw professional triathlete, Heather Wurtele, riding. I thought to myself, “She is out here riding her bike and it’s her job!” That sealed the dream!
My parents have supported me from the day I told them my goal. They have provided coaching from Tiffany Gust, equipment, and everything else necessary for me to compete. Recently I had the opportunity to compete in a USAT Youth Elite Cup, which was a qualifier for the National Youth Elite race in Ohio. I originally signed up just to get the experience, but as the race got closer, my coaches and I started to realize that I had a strong possibility to qualify for Nationals. The day after the triathlon I received an email stating that I had qualified for Nationals. Only 75 spots and I earned one! All of my training and hard work had paid off!
There are so many exciting things, but one thing I am most excited about is flying on a plane. The only time I have flown was when I was barely 1 year old so I don't remember it at all. I will also be participating in a training camp at the Olympic Training Center in CO to help me be better prepared for Nationals on August 2nd. I have dedicated so much time to training and rarely spend time with friends because I am always busy. I feel like the training will help me later in life because it has taught me dedication and sacrifice. I am a very disciplined 15 year old and I have worked hard to achieve my goals. Triathlon is a very expensive sport and I need to ask for your help. I put the work in and qualified for Nationals. Now we have to pay for it. It is going to cost quite a bit. The costs of traveling, race fees, food, equipment, and coaching add up. If you can give $10, $20 or more I would be very grateful! Thanks in advance!
When I was 11 years old I told my mom I wanted to do an open water triathlon. She said that I had to join swim team before she would let me do one. I had already been doing a lot of cycling with my parents so this was the next step to my triathlon dreams. I grew to love swimming and had a natural talent for the sport. I did my first triathlon when I was 14 and got 2nd place in my age group which was 19 and under. I swam in the 39 and under men’s wave and I was one of the top 5 out of the water. The next one I got 1st in my age group. This fueled my passion for the sport! I did a couple more and then had the opportunity to train with an Elite team of kids, the BAM Juniors, coached by Wes Johnson. He has since supported me in my dreams and has been a tremendous help. I started thinking that I would really like to be a pro triathlete. One day on a ride with my parents and some of their friends we saw professional triathlete, Heather Wurtele, riding. I thought to myself, “She is out here riding her bike and it’s her job!” That sealed the dream!
My parents have supported me from the day I told them my goal. They have provided coaching from Tiffany Gust, equipment, and everything else necessary for me to compete. Recently I had the opportunity to compete in a USAT Youth Elite Cup, which was a qualifier for the National Youth Elite race in Ohio. I originally signed up just to get the experience, but as the race got closer, my coaches and I started to realize that I had a strong possibility to qualify for Nationals. The day after the triathlon I received an email stating that I had qualified for Nationals. Only 75 spots and I earned one! All of my training and hard work had paid off!
There are so many exciting things, but one thing I am most excited about is flying on a plane. The only time I have flown was when I was barely 1 year old so I don't remember it at all. I will also be participating in a training camp at the Olympic Training Center in CO to help me be better prepared for Nationals on August 2nd. I have dedicated so much time to training and rarely spend time with friends because I am always busy. I feel like the training will help me later in life because it has taught me dedication and sacrifice. I am a very disciplined 15 year old and I have worked hard to achieve my goals. Triathlon is a very expensive sport and I need to ask for your help. I put the work in and qualified for Nationals. Now we have to pay for it. It is going to cost quite a bit. The costs of traveling, race fees, food, equipment, and coaching add up. If you can give $10, $20 or more I would be very grateful! Thanks in advance!
Organizer
Tucker Hathaway
Organizer
Saint George, UT
