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The 2024 US National Championships for the Sprint and Olympic Distance took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey. An entire race weekend filled with excitement and memorable encounters for athletes and spectators alike. The field of athletes ranges from seasoned world class triathletes to age group competitors.
The races were scheduled on the weekend from the 13th - 15th September, starting with the open water swim on Friday, followed by the Olympic Distance Triathlon on Saturday, and lastly the Sprint Distance Triathlon on Sunday.
For the Olympic as well as the Sprint Distance Triathlons, a qualification in the previous year is required. Everyone competing this weekend will then be ranked for Team USA.
For many, this event is the chance of a lifetime to prove themselves and make Team USA for the year of 2025, where they will have to compete again to secure their spot.
The US Nationals emit a very special atmosphere, one that most triathlon competitions can't keep up with. Seeing the race bikes in the transition zone, surrounded by the flags of all 50 US states, covered in this thick fog, creates a tension for what's to come. The athletes tensing in their wetsuits, getting ready to compete against themselves and the best of the best.
A gunshot signals the start of each wave start. From that point on every athlete has to fight for themselves. Drafting and help from others are strictly regulated and may lead to disqualification.
For the swim part the athletes had to swim along the channel near Bader Field, turn around and come back to the transition zone. The bike course took them down the Atlantic City Expressway. Finally, the race was concluded by a run on the Boardwalk, where they also crossed the finish line.
There, the athletes received their medals and all sorts of food and refreshments, handed to them by service members of the US Armed Forces.
By noon, the foggy, crisp morning air had turned into a toasty summer day with lots of wind.
In the main race, the Olympic Distance Triathlon, the overall winners were Heather Lendway (40) for the women's title and Kyle Hooker (36) for the men's title.
Lendway finished in 2 hours, 7 minutes and 11 seconds, Hooker in 1 hour, 51 minutes and 40 seconds.
Source: usatriathlon.org
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