USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships 2025: Race Review

The 2025 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Milwaukee, WI, was an unforgettable weekend — but not just because it brought together some of the fastest amateur triathletes in the country. This year’s race was defined by unusual and brutal conditions: powerful winds, relentless heat, and warm swim waters Saturday, and, to top it off, record rainfall rolling in overnight causing the cancellation of Sunday’s events.

For many athletes, including myself, it was a battle of both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Why Nationals is Special

Despite the chaos Mother Nature threw our way, Nationals remains one of the most exciting races on the calendar. The event draws thousands of athletes from across the U.S., all bringing their passion, grit, and determination to one start line. The atmosphere is electric — you can feel the energy across the venue.

Milwaukee shines as a host city. The course along Lake Michigan is typically fast and beautiful, and USA Triathlon always runs a tight ship when it comes to logistics and athlete support. I attended last year’s in the odd year it was located in Atlantic City, and I definitely have a preference for Milwaukee.

2025: A Brutal Day at the Office

Here’s what we faced:

Extreme Wind 🌬️

Gusts off Lake Michigan made the bike course treacherous. At times, it felt like riding through an invisible wall. Staying aero was nearly impossible, and handling was a challenge.

Relentless Heat ☀️

The mid morning sun pushed temperatures well beyond comfort, especially for the later wave racers. Even with aid stations, many athletes underestimated how much hydration they’d need.

Warm Swim Waters 🌊

The lake’s warmer-than-usual temps made for a non-wetsuit legal swim (first time ever!) — an extra curveball for athletes who rely on that buoyancy and speed advantage.

Record Rainfall Overnight 🌧️

The most devastating development over the weekend was Saturday night — unprecedented rainfall flooded the city of Milwaukee, forcing USAT to cancel the Sprint and Paratriathlon events Sunday.

My Race: Lessons Learned

I’ll be honest — this wasn’t my strongest performance. I went into Nationals with high expectations, but between the brutal conditions and the mental pressure I put on myself, things didn’t go as planned.

Here’s what I took away from the day:

Adapt to the Elements → The wind wasn’t going anywhere, and every athlete was facing the same conditions. I needed to make smarter choices in the moment — adjusting my pace instead of trying to “fight” the conditions. I ended up overloading the effort on the bike (by a long shot), not saving much for the run.

Hydration is Non-Negotiable → I underestimated how much water I’d need in the heat, and packed sufficiently less than what I needed. They say once you feel dehydrated, it’s too late. Next time, I’ll plan for worst-case conditions instead of hoping for the best.

Race Happy, Not Heavy → Last year was my first Nationals, and I went in with the mindset of “I’m just happy to be here!”…and I performed a lot better. Coming in this year, I put high expectations and pressure on myself. I realized I perform better when I’m having fun, soaking up the energy, and racing with gratitude instead of letting expectations weigh me down.

While I didn’t have the race I envisioned, I walked away with something even more valuable: experience. Nationals humbled me, but it also taught me where I can grow — physically and mentally — as a triathlete. And ultimately, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to race Saturday, as those slated for Sunday had that opportunity taken away.

Final Thoughts

The USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships 2025 reminded me why I love this sport. Triathlon isn’t just about perfect days and podiums — it’s about testing yourself, adapting when things go sideways, and finding pride in crossing the finish line, no matter what.

If you’re chasing Nationals in the future (or any race for that matter), don’t just train for the ideal scenario. Prepare for the unexpected — and remember that sometimes, the toughest races teach you the most.