Eight Athletes Named to 2008 USA Triathlon Junior National Team - Triathlon Week

Robert G. · 12-05-2007, 10:26 AM

USA Triathlon is pleased to announce that eight athletes have been selected for the 2008 Junior National Team.

Based on their outstanding performances during the 2007 junior elite triathlon season, the eight individuals will receive support from USA Triathlon for their developmental pursuits in ITU-style racing.

The 2008 Junior National Team Roster:

· Greg Billington (Spokane, Wash.): 2007 Junior Elite National Champion, 12th at 2007 Junior Elite Worlds, Gold medals at Des Moines Junior Elite National Cup and Canadian National Championships in 2007, 2006 Junior World Aquathlon Champion
· Willy Pickhardt (Fayetteville, Ark.): Finished 2007 season as No. 1 in Junior Elite rankings, Gold medal at Pittsburgh Junior Elite National Cup, 25th at 2007 Junior Elite Worlds, 2006 Junior Elite National Champion
· Ben Steavenson (Ann Arbor, Mich.): Finished 2007 season as No. 3 in Junior Elite rankings, Silver medal at Pittsburgh Junior Elite National Cup, 40th at 2007 Junior Elite Worlds
· Andrew Yoder (Columbia, Pa.): Finished 2007 season as No. 4 in Junior Elite rankings, Silver medal at Des Moines Junior Elite National Cup

· Lauren Goldstein-Kral (Shaker Heights, Ohio): Finished 2007 season as No. 1 in Junior Elite rankings, Gold medal at Des Moines Junior Elite National Cup, Runner up at 2007 Junior Elite National Championships
· Kate Ross (Doylestown, Pa.): No. 2 ranked Junior in 2007, Gold medals at Pittsburgh Junior Elite National Cup and Canadian National Championships in 2007, 55th at 2007 Junior Elite Worlds
· Meghan Lapeta (Downers Grove, Ill.): No. 3 ranked Junior in 2007, Top USA finisher at 2007 Junior Elite Worlds in 51st , Bronze medal (2nd American) at Des Moines Junior Elite National Cup
· Natalie Russell (Oswego, Ill.): 2007 Junior Elite National Champion, Finished 2007 season as No. 4 in Junior Elite rankings, 2007 ITU Sprint World Champion

USA Triathlon has a number of developmental programs in place to grow involvement in the sport at the youth and junior ranks, ranging from local clinics, sprint races for first-timers and regional skills camps to more competitive opportunities for those interested in competing at an advanced level.

The primary objective of the Junior National team is to provide the nation's top performers with the support they need to successfully represent our country at international competitions and the ITU World Championships. These athletes specialize in draft- legal racing and are in the pipeline for potential careers as elite triathletes and to represent the United States at future Olympic Games.

To be considered for the 2008 Junior National team, athletes must be between the ages of 16-19 (as of December 31, 2008) and meet the eligibility criteria determined by USAT's Sport Performance group. Traditionally this includes qualification to a prior ITU Triathlon World Championship, top-five finish at a major (Tier 1) Junior draft-legal race and/or meeting designated swim and run performance times. Candidates with strong draft-legal triathlon performances receive the most serious consideration. The selection process is quite competitive, as less than five athletes per gender are generally selected for the team.

Members of the Junior National team will represent the United States at USAT Junior Elite Cup races, the Pan American Junior Championships (April 19, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) and other developmental races throughout the season.

The USAT Junior Elite Cup season kicks-off May 3 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The 2008 Junior ITU World Championships will be held June 7 in Vancouver, Canada. ALL Juniors are eligible for qualification to the team - the qualification process is available on the USAT website