Medals from Japan

U.S. Paralympic Triathletes Continue Success on World Stage

The journey to Los Angeles 2028 continues to unfold with remarkable performances from our Paralympic athletes at the World Triathlon Para Series in Yokohama, Japan.

This was the second event in the World Triathlon Para Series, following the gold medal successes of Howie Sanborn and Michelle Dynes from the first event in Australia back in March. Despite fielding a smaller squad than our dominant Paris 2024 team, USA Triathlon's elite paratriathletes conquered challenging, rain-soaked conditions to bring home an impressive medal haul.

Kelly Elmlinger delivered a standout gold medal performance in the PTS4 women's class, making a triumphant return to competition after missing the Paris Paralympic Games due to illness. This victory extends Kelly's remarkable undefeated streak to two and a half years – a testament to her extraordinary resilience and talent.

The American contingent secured three additional bronze medals through Mohammed Lahna (PTS2), Zack Osborne (PTS3), and Carson Clough (PTS4). Lahna's performance was particularly impressive, coming just days after completing both a 25k trail running race and the Wildflower triathlon in the preceding two weeks.

For first time WTPS medalist Osborne, the bronze in Yokohama marks an exciting development in the PTS3 class – a category that USA Triathlon didn't qualify for Paris. His podium finish represents a promising start to our Los Angeles 2028 qualification journey.

Clough's bronze medal came courtesy of a thrilling sprint finish in the final 100 meters, showcasing the heart and determination that defines our Paralympic program.

Through the Storm

Jorgensen Surges and McQueen Breaks Through in WTCS Yokohama

Amidst wind and rain at the World Triathlon Championship Series in Yokohama, USA Triathlon's elite athletes demonstrated their world-class abilities with several breakthrough performances.

Chase McQueen positioned himself brilliantly with a strong swim in choppy waters, riding effectively with the front bike group and starting the run in the top 5. His eventual 13th place finish marks a career-best in World Triathlon Series competition – a significant breakthrough that qualifies him for further WTCS race funding after receiving support from the USA Triathlon Foundation for the Yokohama trip. McQueen's recent coaching and training group change to begin the LA28 Olympic cycle appears to be paying dividends.

Fellow Americans Darr Smith (24th), Morgan Pearson (25th), and John Reed (21st) rounded out the men's performances, with Pearson still working through his comeback from a broken wrist suffered earlier this spring.

On the women's side, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Gwen Jorgensen posted her best finish since returning to the sport in 2023, narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place performance.

"I really want that medal!" Jorgensen declared post-race, signaling her hunger for more as the quadrennial progresses.

Taylor Spivey continued her remarkable consistency with another top-10 finish (9th), while Gina Sereno contributed a solid 24th place showing after all three Americans skillfully navigated the 40km bike course in a pack of 30 riders.

Top of the Podium

Vannerson Claims Career-Defining Victory in China

Seven months after being out-sprinted to silver at the 2024 World Triathlon Junior Championships, Reese Vannerson tactfully dominated the sprint to claim victory at the Chengdu, China World Cup – his first Olympic distance World Cup triumph.

Vannerson controlled nearly the entire run before perfectly countering the final surge from two-time Olympian Shachar Sagiv of Israel to break the tape. The win represents Vannerson's third consecutive podium finish this season and follows meticulous course preparation with Coach Parker Spencer, who had rehearsed potential sprint finish scenarios the day prior.

This breakthrough performance elevates Vannerson from the Mallow U25 development team to the senior USA Triathlon National Team, funded by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, a significant milestone in his progression toward 2028.

Vannerson was joined in China by fellow Project Podium training group athletes Keller Norland (25th) and Canadian Mathis Meaulieu (11th).

The trio, along with Coach Spencer, now heads to Uzbekistan, where they'll join Project Podium teammate Braxton Legg for another Olympic distance World Cup. For Legg, this represents his World Cup debut and first Olympic-distance World Triathlon competition.

ON THE HORIZON

The global racing schedule continues at full throttle with Rider, McQueen, Reed, Smith and Jorgensen heading to the third stop on the World Triathlon Championship Series on May 30 in Alghero, Italy. Summer Rappaport joins the team in Italy to launch her 2025 campaign.