YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon Athlete Inclusion & USA Triathlon Sanctioning

The YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon has always been a community event grounded in empowerment, personal achievement and safety.  As we return to being sanctioned by USA Triathlon, we want to share both our approach to athlete inclusion and the nature of this partnership. 

Our Inclusion Policy 

YWCA Minneapolis’ Identity Affirming Policy guides all our programs, including the YWCA Women’s Triathlon. 

At YWCA Minneapolis: 

  • Individuals have the right to participate in athletics consistent with their gender identity 

  • Participation is not contingent upon medical, legal, or biological classifications 

  • We acknowledge and respect each participant’s self-identified gender 

Consistent with this policy, anyone identifying with womanhood is welcome to participate in the YWCA Women’s Triathlon. Participants may also select a nonbinary designation.  

 

Who the Race is Designed For 

The YWCA Women’s Triathlon is intentionally designed as a space that centers women and those who identify with womanhood. While the race is designated as “open” for USA Triathlon sanctioning purposes, participation is guided by our Identity Affirming Policy and the purpose of the event. 

This event exists to create a welcoming, empowering environment for women, particularly in a sport where they have historically been underrepresented. Beyond physical safety, we are committed to creating a space that feels socially and emotionally safe, where participants feel supported, respected and able to fully show up as themselves. 

For that reason, participation is limited to individuals who identify with womanhood, as well as nonbinary participants. 

 

Race Experience & Athlete Recognition 

Inclusion is at the heart of this event, and we also know that race timing, individual performance and awards are meaningful parts of the race experience for many athletes. 

As part of our sanctioning with USA Triathlon, the race will be designated as an “open” event, rather than a women-only race. This allows us to maintain alignment with USAT guidelines while continuing to center women and create a welcoming, empowering environment for all participants.  

Our policies balance these elements with the identity of the YWCA Women’s Triathlon as a participatory, community-driven race rather than a qualification pathway for national competition. 

Athletes seeking national rankings or championship qualifications should refer to events specifically designed for those purposes. 

 

USA Triathlon Sanctioning 

Our decision to resume USA Triathlon sanctioning reflects a continued commitment to athlete safety and strong race operations. Sanctioning supports the event by providing: 

  • Nationally recognized safety standards 

  • Officiating guidance

  • Formal reporting  

Our return to USA Triathlon sanctioning is centered on athletes and our ongoing commitment to delivering a safe, well-organized race experience. 

It also goes beyond sanctioning. Our race director serves on USA Triathlon’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Committee, reflecting our belief that meaningful progress in sport is best achieved through active participation and dialogue. 

USA Triathlon’s eligibility rules do not change who can participate in our race. 

While we are USA Triathlon-sanctioned, our event is structured as a community race rather than an official rankings or qualifications event. 

 

Our Commitment 

YWCA Minneapolis remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Our triathlon reflects that mission in action. 

We are committed to fostering an event environment that is: 

  • Welcoming 

  • Safe 

  • Empowering 

  • Grounded in respect for all participants