How do I become part of the Academy?

Who should apply for selection?

Any athlete between the ages of 12 and 18 who is interested in Triathlon can apply. We are particularly keen to hear from successful single discipline athletes who would like to try their hand at multi-sport racing. The times below give an indication of the minimum standard that would be likely to gain selection.

A youngsters training history, stage of physical development and attitude are all taken into consideration in selecting the squad. 

All those who apply and are not selected to the Academy will receive individual feedback on how they can progress with their training and will be kept updated with races in the South West and opportunities for future selection.

Are there any selection days?

Selection days are not held as Academy coaches regularly keep an eye on results of relevant races within the region.  Any athlete whose performances stand out may be asked if they would like to come along and join the academy for one of their training days.  However, if you think you times and performances match up to some of those children on the Academy or the times below then get in touch with us with ‘Leave a reply’ at the bottom of this page.

 Who is currently part of the Academy?

The Academy currently consists of 18 athletes who are mentored by some of the regions top coaches.  These athletes are the first to be offered spaces on the Academy training days, held approximately once a month during the winter. 

There are also a number of athletes who are invited to take up spare spaces on training days.  These might be athletes whose times do not quite match those below but show a great deal of enthusiasm and promise or athletes who are heavily involved in a swim or run training schedules but would like to experience triathlon and develop skills.  It may also be used if an athlete is based in a far corner of the region and travelling to a training day once a month in unfeasible.

Continued inclusion in the Academy will again be based on attitude, commitment and potential to develop, every September some athletes may be given single discipline goals to reach in order to continue gaining the advantages of being part of the Academy.

Guideline, base level Academy times.

Age	Swim	Boys	Girls	Run	Boys	Girls
12	200m	2.44	2.50	1000m	3.57	4.09
13	200m	2.43	2.47	1500m	5.42	5.58
14	200m	2.34	2.43	1500m	5.22	5.52
15	200m	2.30	2.39	1500m	5.16	5.49
16	400m	5.20	5.45	3000m	11.00	12.30
17	400m	5.06	5.29	3000m	10.53	12.10

*Athletes with higher scores in one discipline and limited history in the other will also be considered.

What will being part of the academy cost?

The Academy is not run to make a profit, thanks to the support from Triathlon England there will be no charge to the athletes for the cost of coaching. Depending on the content of the training day there will usually be a cost for facility usage, this will differ depending on the activity on each individual training day. We will endeavour to keep all cost to a minimum.  If any athlete is unable to attend due to the costs involved please inform us and we may be able to suggest forms of additional financial support.

What’s the standard Like in Triathlon?

As an indication of National standards British triathlon have created a points matrix and assigned Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold plus ratings to time trial results for each age group. To see the full points table click here Gold +: 360 points and higher. No more than 190 points per individual event counts towards point score. This is the level where an athlete becomes eligible to be selected onto national training camps and funded programs Gold: 340-360. No more than 180 points from each individual event Silver: 310-340. No more than 170 points from each individual event Bronze: 270-310. No more than 160 points from each individual event

So what do I do next?

If you’re keen to get involved then ’Leave a reply’ with all your details.  Otherwise enter Junior triathlons in the South West and the Brooks South West Series. If you need any further advice then contact Harry Wiltshire South West Talent Academy Manager at harrywiltshire@britishtriathlon.org