Triathlons coming to US Universities

The NCAA and USA Triathlon have partnered to help bring more women triathlon teams to Division I, II and III schools. The NCAA is endeavoring to provide more opportunities for female student athletes. Currently, men make up approximately 54% of student athletes. The benefit of partnering with an organization such as USA Triathlon is simple: money.

USAT has pledged $2.6 million in grants to schools of all sizes to help found triathlon teams. After an application process, accepted universities will begin receiving grant money over a number of years. For a newly NCAA recognized sport to become official, it needs to reach a certain number of participating universities within 10 year probationary period. That restriction is why equestrian and synchronized swimming did not end up being long lasting sports, at the college-level. With the money from USAT, the NCAA is that triathlon will provide a long term opportunity for women student athletes.