Arizona Wins Third Straight Women's Triathlon Title
The Wildcats claimed the collegiate team national championship at Tempe Town Lake, where the race was shortened to a duathlon.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Swimming
The University of Arizona women's triathlon team won the Women's Collegiate Triathlon National Championship at Tempe Town Lake, its third consecutive national title. Kelly Wetteland also won her second straight individual national championship.
Why it matters
The result extends Arizona's run of national titles in a program founded four years ago, with the team having previously won in 2024 and 2025. The race's conversion to a duathlon shows how water conditions can change the format of a national event.
The duathlon format consisted of a 2.5 km run, a 20 km bike leg, and a 5 km run, replacing the originally scheduled triathlon. Arizona has now won three consecutive women's collegiate national titles.
The players
Wes Johnson
Wes Johnson is the head coach of the University of Arizona women's triathlon team.
Kelly Wetteland
Kelly Wetteland is a University of Arizona triathlete who won her second straight individual national championship.
The details
The race was converted from a triathlon to a duathlon because of water conditions in Tempe Town Lake, and the Wildcats secured the team title in that format. Arizona also took first at the NCAA West National Qualifier before the national event.
Timeline
2024: Arizona won a national championship title.
2025: Arizona won a national championship title.
November 8, 2026: Arizona won the third consecutive national championship at Tempe Town Lake.
Season Trajectory
The Wildcats' third straight national title extends a streak that began with their 2024 and 2025 championships. The result places Arizona among the most consistent programs in collegiate women's triathlon during a period when the sport is still developing its college presence.
Arizona's title confirms the program as a repeat national contender for collegiate fans following women's triathlon. Readers tracking the sport can watch for how the team's qualifier results and format adjustments shape future championship fields.
The takeaway
Event format changes such as this duathlon conversion are a reminder that conditions on race day can reshape a championship. Following a program's qualifier results can offer early signals of its national outlook.
Further reading
For more on racing formats and events in the region, see Swimming coverage.
