Vancouver World's June 2008 (Page 2)

So what do you have to do to qualify for Worlds (as an age grouper)?

When they say you have to 'qualify' they are using the term rather loosely in my opinion. Every year they have different races throughout Canada where they allocate a number of spots for the sprint and olympic events. Sometimes it might be 2, sometimes 4, etc. Last year they offered alot of spots because the World's was here in Canada. In the race that I 'qualifed' they had 4 available spots. I had come in 7th in the race. Only 2 of the top 4 wanted the spot, so then they offer a 'roll down' - they keep going down the list in order of placement until they find 2 more people that want to go to Worlds. My husband was 17th and he still made it through the roll down.

So you have a wide mix of athletes - really hard core who want to win and then tons of age groupers who are in it for fun and fitness and but would still like to compete in an international event.

I don't believe they have a ton of spots available for 2009 but there is a list available of the different qualifying races.

Thanks latestarter. The sprint I'm doing in August is a qualifying event. I've never actually done a tri yet so this is not in the cards for me right now, but I'm thinking down the line somewhere. The older I get, the easier it would be to get in right?

My thoughts exactly. I'm in the 55-59 age group and it was definitely easier. You may be surprised though. I decided to try and qualify in my first sprint as well. Gave me a little motivation to give it my best shot.

On our way over to watch the women elite race today and then off to the Island for a week. Looks like the weather is picking up. YEAH!!!

Have a great season and best of luck. Remember, you make your own luck!

Check my blogs for my personal experience of the event.  Anne, that's a gutsy performance, congrats.

Anne, you're too modest.  You may think it's easier to qualify in the 55-59 AG, but the fact is, it's more difficult to swim+bike+run the older we get.  There's a high rate of attrition in this sport.  In my category F45-49, I was in one qualifying race where there are 8 spots and I'm 10, I didn't get a roll down spot.  I think you pretty much have to be >55 before it gets "easier", if you can still do it at that age, that is. 

Having said that, Barb, go for it.  You never know until you try.  I never thought I'd qualify either, but I've now been to the Worlds 3x.  I also think some Worlds venues are more popular than others.  2009 is in Australia, 2010 is in Hungary, 2011 is in Beijing, China.

Edited by patricia7 2008-06-09 1:10 AM

Wow Patricia, that's some story. What an experience! I can't believe there were so many people with hypothermia. I grew up in Vancouver and the thought of swimming in the ocean in early June is not a pleasant one. I'm glad you're ok.