HOW DO YOU QUALIFY FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ANYWAY?
At Team Triumph, we've had the privilege of reporting about our remarkable members qualifying for prestigious World Championship events. But have you ever wondered about the process behind these incredible achievements? Qualifying for a World Championship is an exhilarating journey that comes with representing your country, donning the iconic kit, and basking in the pride of your Canadian roots, eh! Our members have achieved qualifications across a spectrum of distances, from Super Sprint to Ultraman and everything in between.
Ironman Branded World Championships: A Competitive Path
Qualifying for an Ironman-branded World Championship is no walk in the park – it's a fiercely competitive endeavor. Typically, Ironman allocates 1-3 slots per age category, employing a process known as "roll down." This means that if a top finisher doesn't accept their slot, the opportunity rolls down to the next fastest athlete in line. To level the playing field and encourage more women to participate, Ironman has been increasing the number of qualifying spots in many full Iron races, including the renowned Tremblant event. The beauty is, you can qualify for these championships at any Ironman-branded event, regardless of the host country. World Triathlon Championships: Pursuing Olympic Dreams
Now, let's dive into the World Triathlon Championships process, which is a tad different. World Triathlon holds sway as the governing body for Olympic and Paralympic Triathlon teams. For pros, they organize a global series culminating in the grand finale at the season's end. Each race contributes points toward Olympic team qualification and earns pros the honor of winning the series.
For the grand final World Championships, aspiring contenders need to find a qualifying race in Canada at their desired distance, ranging from Super Sprint to Olympic distance. Depending on the event, 1-3 spots are typically up for grabs. Before racing, there's a prerequisite – you must be a member of Triathlon Ontario/Canada. Additionally, you're required to express your intent via email, stating that if you place within the top 3, you're interested in participating in the World Championships. A few weeks post-race, an email arrives, hopefully containing the exhilarating news!
Celebrating Our Champions
Our hearts swell with pride when we celebrate the accomplishments of our remarkable members. A big shoutout to Sue Bennett, who has secured her qualification at the Toronto Triathlon Festival in the Olympic Distance, adding to her previous qualification in Spain this year. And mark your calendars for the end of September – Team Triumph is coming together in Pontevedra, Spain, to take on the World Championships. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates on this journey!
Upcoming Opportunity: Esprit Triathlon
For those seeking their shot at a World Championship event, the upcoming Esprit Triathlon in Montreal this September presents a golden opportunity. If you're eager to seize this chance and embark on your own qualification journey, don't hesitate to reach out for coaching support. We're here to help you make your dreams a reality!
Congratulations to Our Amazing Members
Before signing off, let's raise a virtual toast to our outstanding members who continue to shine in their races. Your dedication, determination, and hard work inspire us all. Keep chasing those dreams and pushing your limits – the World Championships await!
Julia Aimers
CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist
CSEP High-Performance Specialist
Certified Triathlon, Cycling, Yoga and Swimming Coach
USA Cycling Level 2 Coach
Training Peaks Accredited Coach
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.
Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.
I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman
My coach Kevin Willis is amazing. His swim practices have been a real game-changer for me. A great communicator regardless of your swim level. The whole club is supportive of everything you do. You don't need to be an Ironman to benefit from their programs. 5 stars all around!!! - Denise Pittuck