West Chester to Host USA Triathlon Youth, Junior National Championships

USA Triathlon has announced that West Chester, Ohio, has been selected as the host city for the 2014 and 2015 USA Triathlon Youth and Junior National Championships. The city first welcomed the event in 2012, and the 2013 event, which is at 99 percent capacity, is set for Aug. 3-4.

The Youth and Junior National Championships feature athletes ages 7-19 in four championship events. The draft-legal races for Junior Elite and Youth Elite athletes showcase talented up-and-coming multisport stars who may one day represent the U.S. in an Olympic Games. These athletes also have an opportunity to compete in a Mixed Team Relay event, a thrilling and unique event gaining popularity worldwide.

Additionally, the Youth National Championships provide an exciting environment for youth age-group participants who may just be getting their start in the sport.

The race venues are centered at Voice of America Park in Butler County. Nearly 700 triathletes competed in West Chester in 2012, the largest field in Youth and Junior Nationals history, and the event is expected to surpass that number in 2013.

"Youth is the fastest growing segment of our membership, and USA Triathlon Youth and Junior National Championships are an excellent experience for young triathletes from around the country," said USA Triathlon CEO Rob Urbach. "The 2012 event was a great success, thanks

to the support of the local community, and we look forward to continuing the tradition of holding fun, safe events with the Butler County Visitors Bureau through 2015."

"We are thrilled that USA Triathlon has chosen to extend its relationship with the BCVB and return to Butler County for an additional two years," said Mark Hecquet, Executive Director of the Butler County Visitors Bureau. "USA Triathlon's commitment to the BCVB and Butler County further emphasizes Butler County's prominence as an premier destination to host major sporting events."

 Visit usatriathlon.org for more information regarding USA Triathlon Youth and Junior National Championships.

About USA Triathlon: Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Olympic Movement - as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with more than 510,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Summer Olympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).