Kevin McDowell just finished fourth in the Junior World Triathlon Championships. He is also running high school cross country. So is Lukas Verzbicas who is a favorite to with the state cross country meet but also just won the Junior Duathlon Championship. Like the others, he is looking toward the Olympics in 2016, especially if they're here.
"It would be so great if they were right here at home in Chicago. I would be so honored to represent not only the United States, but the great city of Chicago," said Verzbicas.
"If it's there in Chicago, all your friends will be able to come and watch you and see you in the Olympics. So it's like double," said Ben Kanute, Multisport Madness triathlete.
Keith Dickson has been coaching the athletes for the last seven years, focusing on developing them as triathletes who are as strong in the pool as they are on their feet or the bike.
"These guys know what they have to do. They have to chip away at it each year over the next seven years. We know what we're going to have to do to get there," said Keith Dickson, Multisport Madness director.
The athletes guys are all 16, 17 years old so it's conceivable they could qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London, but that would be early; 2016, however, would hit right when they're in their prime, and they're hoping for the chance to demonstrate their skills right down the road in Chicago.
Chicago-area triathletes, who swim, bike and run, dream of the 2016 Olympics.
