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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 29, 2008) -- A group of 23 elite triathletes have been recognized by USA Triathlon with their inclusion on the first-ever USAT Trade Team, a group of National Team caliber athletes who train and compete with the goal of winning medals in international competition while receiving support from national sponsors.
The Trade Team concept is similar to that used in professional cycling, featuring colorful uniforms on high-profile athletes, team vehicles, team posters, product samples at event expos and in other media, and school and civic organization presentations.
"The team was created to promote the sport, sponsors and healthy multisport lifestyle to youth and teenagers, which is the fastest growing segment of USAT membership," said Team Director Scott Schnitzspahn.
The athletes will represent sponsors at races and at events in their community, allowing both groups to garner increased exposure in the media and the multisport community.
With the team ranging from Junior to Senior National Team athletes, an additional benefit is the mentorship opportunities between older athletes and those just entering the elite levels.
Following is the 2008 USAT Trade Team roster:
Women
Mary Beth Ellis (Rehoboth Beach, Del. / Thornton, Colo.)
Lauren Goldstein-Kral (Shaker Heights, Ohio) Junior National Team
Sarah Groff (Cooperstown, N.Y. / Boulder, Colo.) Elite National Team
Sarah Haskins (St. Louis, Mo. / Colorado Springs, Colo.) Elite National Team
Meghan Lapeta (Downers Grove, Ill.) Junior National Team
Sara McLarty (DeLand, Fla. / Colorado Springs, Colo.) Elite National Team
Jasmine Oeinck (Littleton, Colo. / Colorado Springs, Colo.) Elite National Team
Jill Petersen (St. Louis, Mo.) Elite Development Team
Kate Ross (Doylestown, Pa.) Junior National Team
Natalie Russell (Batavia, Ill.) Junior National Team
Jennifer Spieldenner (Findlay, Ohio / Toledo, Ohio) Elite Development Team
Justine Whipple (Duxbury, Mass. / Colorado Springs, Colo.) Elite Development Team
Men
Greg Billington (Spokane, Wash.) Junior National Team
Ethan Brown (Lowell, Mass. / Ann Arbor, Mich.) Elite Development Team
Matt Chrabot (Virginia Beach, Va.) Elite Development Team
Kevin Collington (Gainesville, Fla.) Elite Development Team
John Dahlz (San Francisco, Calif.) Elite Development Team
Steven Duplinsky (Kensington, Md.) Elite Development Team
Manny Huerta (Miami, Fla. / Colorado Springs, Colo.) Elite National Team
Willy Pickhardt (Fayetteville, Ark.) Junior National Team
Steven Sexton (El Macero, Calif.) Elite Development Team
Ben Steavenson (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Junior National Team
Joe Umphenour (Bellevue, Wash. / Colorado Springs, Colo.)
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In the constant pursuit of Olympic triathlon medals, USA Triathlon supports potential Olympians through the National Teams Program that includes Junior (ages 16-19), Elite Development (ages 20+), and Elite National Teams.
Check back at USATriathlon.org for more information on the Trade Team athletes.
The following USAT Partners are supporting the Trade Team:
AQX
ASTAVITA
AVIA
BLUE
BRIAN DORFMAN
DEFEET
DEUTER
FLEX POWER
GARMIN
GATORADE
HAMMER NUTRITION
LA JOLLA WETSUIT COMPANY
MAXXIS
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RUDY PROJECT
RUNOVIA
SELLE ITALIA
SKINS
SPEEDO
SPRINGBOOST
SQUADRA
SRAM
SWEATVAC
TRAINING PEAKS
TRI ALL 3 SPORTS
TRIGGER POINT
YANKZ!
ZIPP
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About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,300 races and connects with more than 100,000 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, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.
Website: USATriathlon.org.
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