Key Takeaways
- The USA Triathlon Foundation has launched the Elevate28 campaign, a $28 million initiative to elevate the sport of triathlon nationwide in the lead-up to and following the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
- A $1 million gift from Michael and Audra Mallow has been announced in support of the campaign.
- The campaign aims to strengthen the entire triathlon pipeline, investing in youth participation, adaptive and development opportunities, and elite performance.
- The USA Triathlon Foundation will invest in four key areas: Fueling Olympic & Paralympic Dreams, Expanding Youth Participation, Advancing Belonging & Access Opportunities, and Responding Rapidly to Emerging Needs.
- The campaign aims to make triathlon one of the most accessible, inclusive, and thriving sports in the United States.
Introduction to Elevate28
The USA Triathlon Foundation has announced a bold initiative to raise $28 million through 2029 to elevate the sport of triathlon nationwide in the lead-up to and following the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games. The Elevate28 campaign is a transformative effort designed to strengthen the entire triathlon pipeline, investing in youth participation, adaptive and development opportunities, and elite performance. The campaign marks a pivotal moment for the sport, with the Olympic Games returning to the U.S. for the first time in more than 30 years. Triathlon kicks off the LA28 Olympic Games as the first medal event, with the women’s individual triathlon scheduled for July 15, 2028, at the iconic Venice Beach.
The Mallow’s Gift
A $1 million gift from longtime athletes and donors Michael and Audra Mallow has been announced in support of the Elevate28 campaign. The gift was revealed at the Elevate28 kickoff event on January 17 in Venice Beach, California, in front of major donors, U.S. elite athletes, and fans. The Mallows bring a long list of accomplishments to the sport, including multiple IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 finishes. They are deeply involved in the local triathlon community in Los Angeles and have been longtime supporters of the USA Triathlon Foundation. Their passion for racing and philanthropy has made a lasting impact on the sport. The Mallows’ gift provides immediate momentum for Elevate28 and sets the tone for the impact the campaign aims to achieve over the next four years.
The Impact of Elevate28
The Elevate28 campaign is more than a fundraising effort; it is a movement to elevate the entire triathlon community. The campaign aims to prepare athletes for success at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond, inspire future generations, and ensure triathlon becomes one of the most accessible, inclusive, and thriving sports in the United States. Through Elevate28, the USA Triathlon Foundation will invest in four key areas to drive lasting growth and impact across the sport. These areas include Fueling Olympic & Paralympic Dreams, Expanding Youth Participation, Advancing Belonging & Access Opportunities, and Responding Rapidly to Emerging Needs. By investing in these areas, the USA Triathlon Foundation aims to create a strong, sustainable pipeline of elite athletes, grow youth triathlon nationwide, break down financial, physical, and cultural barriers, and enable the organization to act with agility in supporting development athletes.
Investing in the Future of Triathlon
The USA Triathlon Foundation will invest in Fueling Olympic & Paralympic Dreams by supporting world-class coaching, facilities, scholarships, international competition, equipment, technology, and sport science. The organization will also invest in Expanding Youth Participation through programs such as USA Kids Tri, the Youth State Series, and Splash & Dash races, while expanding access through school and community-based initiatives. Additionally, the foundation will invest in Advancing Belonging & Access Opportunities by breaking down financial, physical, and cultural barriers through grants that support beginner athletes, adaptive athletes, and community programs. Finally, the organization will invest in Responding Rapidly to Emerging Needs by enabling USA Triathlon to act with agility in supporting development athletes, enhancing daily training environments, and scaling high-impact initiatives across the sport.
Conclusion
The launch of Elevate28 and the generous gift from Michael and Audra Mallow mark an exciting moment for the sport of triathlon. The USA Triathlon Foundation is building momentum for a strong future, supporting athletes on the road to LA28, inspiring the next generation, and growing the sport nationwide. To learn more about Elevate28 or donate to the USA Triathlon Foundation, visit the organization’s website. With the support of donors like the Mallows and the efforts of the USA Triathlon Foundation, the sport of triathlon is poised for growth and success in the years to come.
