So, imagine the results the USA might produce if athletes of this calibre attended university on triathlon scholarships, trained by high-level coaches, learning their trade through high-level competition \u2013 even being given kit in their formative years to fast-track progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s the step the National Collegiate Athletic Association is about to take after women\u2019s triathlon \u2013 nominated as an emerging sport since 2014 \u2013 reached its target of being included in 40 college programmes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Imagine the results the USA might produce if athletes of this calibre had scholarships <\/blockquote> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>
USA Triathlon gave around $3.5 million in grants to institutions to develop their varsity women\u2019s triathlon programmes, resulting in its ascent to fully-fledged NCAA sport status, replete with all the scholarships, competition, backing and exposure that goes with it. From 40 programmes, opportunities are now likely to rise exponentially.<\/span><\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t guarantee world domination. The coaching and support structure has to be correct, of course. But after that it becomes a numbers game to an extent. Consider that around 500,000 US high-schoolers run track, 220,000 cross-country and 175,000 swim.<\/span><\/p>\n
If even a fraction cross over to triathlon then it\u2019s a turbo boost for the USA\u2019s fortunes. Net result? Brace yourself to see the Stars & Stripes billowing above far more Olympic podiums in the years to come. <\/span><\/p>\n
Only Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand have won two individual triathlon medals on the same Olympic podium. It might take until 2028 and beyond, but what price the USA women for that trifecta?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Top image credit:<\/strong> Dan Seex<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n
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