Qualified...Very Excited but have questions.... (Page 2)

Yep.  I qualified for ITU Sprint in Budapest in 2010 and went.  It was not cheap.  They do everything they can to help make it cheaper (discounts through their website and your USAT membership), but as bcagle25 said, they are a small company. 

All that said, I considered it an honor to be able to represent, and didn't know if I would be able to do it again so we went into some temporary debt (paid it off after about a year) to do it.  We made a vacation out of it and after the race went to Italy for a week. 

You cannot do any logo's on the uniform and I'm pretty certain that is an ITU rule more than it is an USAT rule. 

It's not long course, but if you are fast and want to compete in a World Championship then get thee to Milwaukee in August for AG nationals......the 2015 AG World Championship for Sprint and Oly is in Chicago.......it'll probably be a bit cheaper than heading off to China.

Thanks for all the replies everyone!  It has started the wheels turning as to how I can try to raise some money somehow.  I am just a poor young dad with two young children...no chance I would ever be able to afford this on my own without any financial assistance.  I just got out from under a credit card debt and sure as hell not getting back under on for this.

Trying to see what my options are because I have laid out plans for 2015 and don't want to be in the hole...My plan was to do B2B in 2014 and IM Chat in 2015...the ITU Worlds would replace the B2B but that is a HUGE financial swing and would put my first full IM back a year...

For sponsorships I would be talking with local businesses but since I can't put their logos on my race stuff that really makes it harder because I would basically be asking for monetary donations to help pay for the flight.  I have been told by people at work who have been to China a few times have said everything in China is pretty cheap it is just really expensive to get their...anyone here want to donate to a poor dad who wants to race over seas?

USAT doesn't make NEARLY enough money to send qualifiers to world competitions. 

You can see the 2009-2011 Financial documents and tax returns here: http://www.usatriathlon.org/about-usat/financial-statements-and-tax-returns.aspx

I'm not commenting on your suspicions, just throwing data out.

Plus, I really don't think that my $45 annual membership, and my 7th place finish out of 10 in my age group at Duathlon Nationals (with 18 slots available!!) really earns me the right to use anyone else's money to go compete at a world level in Spain. 

For the most part, AG athletes going to World AG Championships are not elite athletes.  A few of them will reach that status.....but for the overwhelming majority, no.  In my experience with USAT at the Youth/Jr. elite level they are doing a good job of getting the U.S. up to world standards in Olympic (draft legtal) format racing. Building a program from grass roots takes time.....and money. (which we provied with our memberships)  In the very near future they will also be a major funding entity for Elite Triathlon Academy's that are well into the planning stages.  Corrupt?  No way....I have personally met with a number of people in their upper management tier and they are dedicated people, working on a mission.  Not as up front with their membership about some of the things you mentioned?.....yeah, I think it's fair to say that.  Our memberships are funding USAT......and that means the developement of elite, international caliber triathletes.  Going to AG worlds is a great accomplishment.....but I don't see where USAT owes anybody a trip to an AG competition.

I did not start this thread for reasons of complaining and to give opportunities for others to get upset.  I know i am no where near the elite level athlete and I have come to terms with that.  I am a MOP to FOP Age Grouper depending on the distance/size race.  This is the first time I have ever qualified for something like this or ever had an opportunity to be apart of a team like this.  I can understand why USAT can't pay for everything.  They don't have the financial backing like some other teams do.  I am just trying to find ways I can provide myself financial backing...

Well, congratulations on an admirable performance.  But top 20 age groupers from a variety of qualifying races?  So, this sounds more like a business opportunity for the race organizer than a real championship for yourself.  Not so say you wouldn't have a hoot of a time.

If they're giving out spots to the top 20 finishers in each age group at presumably dozens of races... it doesn't sound like these are hotly contested spots.  

sorry to be debbie downer on this one.  just seems a little 'suspicious'.  

but hell yeah.  go to china!  sounds like a fun trip.

well for Olympic/sprint triathlon it was top 18 from that 1 race, ag nationals in milwaukee

According to the site it is from a single race to qualify, top 20 in each age group at the USAT Long Course National Championship race.  I don't think it is from an array of races.  Someone correct me if I am wrong for others who may know.

USAT is the governing body for triathlon in the U.S.  I think it's fair to use USA swimming as an anology....because they have been at it longer and do an unbelievable job of developing talent for international competition.  We pay yearly membership fees of ~60.00 (I can't remember the exact amount sitting here).  That gives us the right to pay another $300.00 per month for our kids to swim on their club.....and to pay $10 - $15 dollars per event at their meets (usually 7 events per meet, plus relays).  As our kids move up the ladder they get to go to Sectionals, and the Jr. Nationals, and then Olympic trials....all, of course, if they are gifted, dedicated, and lucky.  We pay for every step of that.  We also pay for our kids to have a bigger stake in USA swimming.....swim at better facilities, better run meets, and better competition.  The money we spend keeps the machine running that churns out the best swimmers in the world.....I'm good with that.

Now look at USA triathlon.....who can only hope and dream to one day be as successful as USA swimming.  We pay a few bucks for dues.....and as we get better we pay for better races and better competition, and a bigger stake in the overall picture.  Yeah, it's expensive to race in the "National Championship" events, but it's also pretty cool to race really fast people......not elite racers, but fast.  If you are fast enough, you can race in the World Championships under your countries banner.  Yeah, it cost more, but you are now a bigger donor to a larger picture.....and for your money, you get to race the fastest age groupers in the world, on a great course, in a great venue (last year the actual Olympic course).  If you don't want to be a bigger donor to the bigger picture of elite triathlete developement, then don't pay, and don't go......leave the spot for someone else who wants to.

USA triathlon doesn't owe you anything until you get to the point where you are racing at the Elite International level......then they foot the bill, with money we all put in the pot.  I'm good with that.....it's how our country developes triathletes who can actually compete for gold in the Olympics.  We're not there yet.....but at least a program is coming together to acheive that goal.

Discounts on travel, gear, etc.

There is already one Elite Triathlon Academy in Colorado.  At least one other, that I know of, is in the works.  The pathway is through youth/jr. elite triathlon since the focus will be on draft legal (olympic format) racing.  There are other ways in, but certain performance standards have to be met.  You can find those standards and the various pathways to Elite racing on the USAT website.

USAT doesn't have to provide anything with your membership.  I just renewed mine so I know it comes with discounts at various stores, etc......that's a hell of alot more than USA swimming gives you for twice the money.

I suspect it is an issue with triathletes because the alot of them are adults and they whine more than the kids who comprise the majority of USA swimming memberships.  I know there was a row over the recent elections because many were not happy that USAT seemed to be headed down a course where the emphasis would be on elite athletes.......uh......that's what it should be doing in my mind.  How else will the sport truly grow unless we become more competitive at the international level.  I wish I had a dime for every person who has said to me, "triathlon is a Olympic sport, really?"

Actually, I think your postition is a common one among "triathletes".  Most don't understand, or care, that these organizations like USAT, USA swimming, USA cycling,  etc. are there to ensure that our country gets on the same playing field as the rest of the world in International competitions.  Triaithlon, for many, especially middle aged people, is such a self-centered sport that they don't stop to think about the bigger picture and what these organizations truly exist for....it becomes all about "what's in it for me?"

Nothing can prevent you from wearing sponsor logos on your helmet, bike, and as temporary tattoos. 

Sorry.....I wasn't talking about anyone in particular....but I've been around triathlon for awhile, and I'll stand by my observations.  In the interest of a kinder/gentler LB I apologize if I hurt your feelings or otherwise offended you....only you know if the shoe fits.  It is absolutely a legitimate discussion topic from my point of view.....and I gave you a legitimate answer, even if you don't like it.  What are we talking about here...... $25.00 per year?  You asked what you get for your money.....I told you.

I would have gladly let it go....but you don't get the last word when it's garbage.  I never called you self-centered....or anyone else.  I said that triathlon for middle-aged people is a self-centered sport, and it damn sure is.