Northeastern’s club triathlon team began 15 years ago with a group of five friends planning races at Qdoba. Since then, the team has grown to include over 80 members and has become increasingly competitive every year.
In the team’s most impressive showing to date, Northeastern sent a record-breaking 21 athletes to the USA Triathlon Collegiate Club National Championships in Miami March 28 to 29 and placed 13th in the country. The team’s previous record was 19th place, and they had only ever brought up to 16 athletes before this year.
“We’re at the point where this is the best team Northeastern’s ever had, and it’s pretty amazing to see,” said assistant captain Eitan Leinwand, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity. Leinwand also previously served as captain and chief operations officer for the team.
At nationals, the team competed in three races: the Olympic race, the draft-legal race and the mixed-relay race.
The Olympic race consists of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run. The draft-legal race is shorter and allows athletes to draft — the act of riding closely behind another cyclist to reduce wind resistance and save energy —while biking, which is not typically permitted. . The mixed-relay is the shortest distance race per person, with two male and two female athletes each completing a short triathlon in a relay format.
While only their top performers go to nationals, the triathlon team welcomes beginners and seasoned athletes alike. With no experience requirements and no limit on membership, the club creates a community for triathletes at every level.
Many members come in with little to no experience and develop to a high level through professional coaching and a supportive group of fellow triathletes.
“It’s a really big group, a really exciting group, and everyone’s been working really hard,” said captain and fourth-year biochemistry major Maeve Healy.
Athletes are required to race an Olympic distance to qualify for nationals. In their conference season throughout August and September, the team runs both Olympic and sprint distance races. Sprint races are half the distance of Olympic races for each discipline.
With the help of coach Ted Geddis, athletes follow personalized training programs and attend team practices as well as individual workouts. In 2024, Northeastern placed second in the conference behind West Point, their biggest rival.
“I’ve watched the team develop substantially since [Geddis] became our coach,” Leinwand said.
Practices take place every day. Team members rotate between swimming in Cabot Physical Education Center, biking in SquashBusters and running outside. All practices are optional, so athletes can decide what training schedule works for them.
“The practices are really helpful, especially on a social level,” Healy said, adding that she likes to attend at least a few practices a week in order to get to know the team, especially the newer athletes.
“I’m really excited about the level of enthusiasm that I’ve seen in some of the younger members of the team,” she said.
Community and team camaraderie have played a huge role in the triathlon team’s success, both on and off the race course.
“I get excited when I see other triathlon people, especially when I’m out running,” said Mary Sinnot, a second-year civil engineering major who joined in fall 2024. “Knowing that the team is there and supporting you is really nice.”
The athletes often see each other during races, which can provide some much-needed encouragement.
“When we see our teammates on the course it’s super motivating,” Healy said. “I remember in a race this past year, I ran past one of the guys on our team, and he paced me for a mile of the race knowing I was running towards a podium.”
Healy placed third in that race and fifth overall in the conference.
“We do work together out on the course and racing, so it’s really nice to have that support in an individual sport,” Healy said.
The team continues to welcome athletes of all skill levels as they seek younger talent to keep the team thriving. There will be 21 members graduating this year, including Healy and Leinwand, marking the largest graduating class ever.
“As long as you know how to swim and you won’t drown in the pool, you’re more than welcome to join the team,” said Leinwand. “It’s all about building a community at the end of the day. If you’re excited and interested in the sport, show up and we’ll have fun.”
Following their success at the National Championships, the triathlon team will continue to train for another four months leading up to their season in August.
