MILWAUKEE — Friday morning, swimmers across the US gathered in Lake Michigan for the first race of a huge weekend-long Triathlon.
Milwaukee is hosting the 2023 USA Triathlon Nationals with both Youth/ Junior competitors and US Olympic-and Sprint-distance athletes.
“For the first time, the two iconic events combine into one, giving youth and junior athletes the opportunity to race on the same weekend with the country’s top age group Olympic-and Sprint-distance athletes,” USA Triathlon posts on their website.
Over 7,000 athletes from across the country will race during the weekend, from kids to veterans. Noelle Wiegel is from Omaha, and the Olympic Triathlon will be her 28th race.
Tom Tejeda is visiting from Texas because his 16-year-old granddaughter is competing in the USA Triathlon Nationals in Milwaukee.
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“I think it’s a great town. It’s nice and friendly. You get hellos everywhere," Tom said. Watch Mary Jo's reporting at 5 p.m. tonight. pic.twitter.com/zXXbWPMuwB
“I turn 50 so I’m aging up, and it’s going to be one of my last races before I try something new. I’m just really excited to be here. The weather is great, the atmosphere is amazing, and I’m just ready for a great race.”
VISIT Milwaukee said in a statement the weekend is expected to bring in $9 million to the city. That means thousands of eyes will be on Milwaukee.
Latifah Lowery came from Naples, Florida to do her first Olympic Triathlon.
“This is beautiful. I love it here when you’re riding around. It’s so calm. Everyone seems nice and it’s a nice place,” Lowery smiled.
For these athletes, young or old, the races require a lot of training, both mental and physical. That’s what makes them so competitive for the competition.
“Coming to events like this helps you remember the “why”. Everyone’s so nice and fun and supportive,” Lowery said.
The triathlon is ongoing from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6, and registration online for competitors is still open.
For non-competitive swimmers, there is an open-water swim and challenge team competitions as well. Prices range from $45-$700.
This weekend’s schedule is below, according to USA Triathlon.
FRIDAY, AUG. 4
- 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. - BOA Packet pickup (all races)
- 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Expo
- 8 a.m. - Open water swim competition
- 9:45 a.m. - Female junior development draft-legal
- 11 a.m. - Male junior development draft-legal
- 12:25 p.m. - Female youth development draft-legal
- 1:10 p.m. - Male youth development draft-legal
- 4:15 p.m. - PTO Pro men
SATURDAY, AUG. 5
- 7 a.m. - Olympic-Distance National Championship
- 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Expo
- 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - BOA Packet pickup (Sprint-distance)
- 1:05 p.m. - Youth and Junior draft-legal mixed relay
- 4:15 - 8 p.m. - PTO Pro Women
SUNDAY, AUG. 6
- 7 a.m. - Sprint National Championships
- 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Expo
- 12:55 p.m. - Youth Group ages 13-18
- 2 p.m. - Youth Group ages 11-12
- 2:07 - 2:12 p.m. - Youth ATD1 & ATD2
- 3:20 p.m. - Youth Group ages 7-10
Access the map for each Triathlon event here.
Read more about this historic event on their website.
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