Many sports have rankings – track and field, football, ice hockey, baseball, gymnastics, etc. Guess what – the triathlon world also has rankings! If one is a member of the USA-Triathlon Association and completed three races, a ranking is generated. I cannot say I fully understand how the score system works as I’m still reading through all the mathematics behind the process. But, for the first time, I have a ranking! I can honestly say that the last time I had any type of ranking, which was local and regional, was when I competed in swimming and diving during my youth. So it is a little surreal at my age to receive a ranking for 2019.
So, what is my ranking? As of 9/27/19, in my age group I am 679/729 nationally, 93/103 in the region (Mideast), and 18/20 in my state. How are there only 20 in my state in my age group that are ranked??? Of course, there are still triathlons yet to be raced so athletes are still being ranked. I will drop further in the list but I think it is pretty cool that in my 5th season, following six months of PT, I have a ranking in the triathlon world.
Anyone can be a USAT member and anyone can check out the rankings on-line. These are finalized in February of each year for the previous year so rankings seen today will change over the next couple of months. “The top 10 percent of each age group earn All-American status and are listed each year in the Spring issue of USA Triathlon Magazine.” Although I am nowhere near that top 10%, I may have raced against some and are friends with some that might show up in that list so that is pretty outstanding.
To become a USAT member, visit the membership page and register. It is a pretty easy process. An annual membership is $50 for adults and $10 for youth and one can sign up at any time. No more one-day passes to race in a triathlon, duathlon, or aquabike. Just provide your membership number when registering for a race and you are done.
So how will information this impact me? I feel like I have a baseline to work from and gives me something to improve on for 2020. Now to decide what my season will look like for 2020. LOL. Guess I should go work out now.
Very cool! I thought I read that you must run 3 in a year to be ranked! You’re kicking butt and I can’t wait to have a ranking myself one day…hopefully next year!