2026 Program
Elite Pathway Program
Entry Requirements & Standards for the Saudi Triathlon Federation's elite athlete development pipeline.
Selection Conditions
Athletes must achieve a combination of five (5) swimming and running times. Only times achieved on or after 1 July 2025 are eligible.
Minimum standard: qualifying performances within the Top 10% of the athlete's age category, corresponding to Category 2 support.
Athletes must submit at least two (2) standards from swimming and two (2) from running.
Age Categories
13-15
U13 athletes referenced against this category
16-17
Standard youth progression
18+ ASIA
Bronze Asia-level benchmark minimum
Progression Requirement
01
Category 2 Entry
Top 10% athletes receive 12 months of tiered support from date of qualification.
02
Re-testing
Athletes progressing to Top 8% may retain or advance support for a further 12 months.
03
Category 1 Entry
Top 1% / Gold benchmark athletes enter under Category 1 with up to 2 years support.
Testing Protocols
01
Swimming
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Official meet with electronic timing ratified by a swimming official
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25m or 50m pool with lane ropes
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Dive start (push start if not possible)
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No drafting — max 2 swimmers per lane
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No wetsuits permitted
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Triathlon race swim leg results not accepted
02
Running
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Official running/track meet with electronic timing
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400m synthetic running track only
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Mass start "race" situation allowed
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IAAF compliant shoes required
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IAAF certified road races may be permitted
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Triathlon run leg results not accepted