La Swiss sportswear giant On has officially stepped into the world of triathlon development with the launch of the On Triathlon Academy. The initiative is designed to nurture young talent and shape the future of the sport.
In partnership with the Canyon and Sailfish brands, the academy aims to provide elite young triathletes with unparalleled support, resources, and a pressure-free environment to help them reach their full potential.
With a vision of long-term athlete development, the program offers training camps, financial backing, top-tier gear, and access to world-class mentors, including Olympic legend Javier Gomez. The program aims to ensure that rising stars in the sport have the foundation needed to succeed at the highest level.
Selected athletes from around the world
The first four triathletes selected for the program represent some of the most exciting young talents in the sport range from several countries. Canadian Mathis Beaulieu, a Junior World Champion medallist, American Jimena De La Pena, a silver medalist at the 2023 Junior World Championship, Australia’s 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games champion, Aspen Anderson, and China’s 2024 Asian Youth champion, Canyu Liu.
Canadian Beaulieu has been on fire these last few years, already having wracked up four elite racing victories at just 18 years old. He is one to watch over the next few years as a rising star in short-course racing.
Athletes will receive two years of dedicated support, with the possibility of extending the program for another two years based on their age and progression. Once they turn 23, they will transition out of the academy, making way for the next generation of talent.
A holistic approach to athlete development
Beyond building winners in the sport, the On Triathlon Academy said it is also about building well-rounded athletes who can handle the demands of professional triathlon. The program centres around four key pillars aimed at developing the sport’s next generation of talent.
The first pillar is the provision of world-class training through access to top-tier coaching, training camps, and technical skill development to refine performance. The program also stands on its mental and physical support networks, proving athletes with psychologists, nutritionists, and physiologists to develop a balanced and resilient mindset. Financial and logistical assistance through travel, gear, and living expenses to ease the financial burden often associated with elite-level triathlon, is the programs third pillar. Finally, the program aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment that allows young triathletes to develop at their own pace, free from unnecessary pressure.
Backed by strong brands
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from some of the biggest names in endurance sports.
“As a former professional triathlete, I know firsthand the challenges young athletes face on their journey to the top. With the On Triathlon Academy, we’re not just providing gear and funding; we’re creating a supportive community where these athletes can develop their skills and achieve their dreams without unnecessary pressure,” said Olivier Bernhard, former professional triathlete and co-founder of On.
Nicolas de Ros Wallace, CEO of Canyon, emphasized the long-term impact of the academy in growing the health of the sport.
“We have a long-standing commitment to helping triathletes achieve remarkable results. By powering On’s Triathlon Academy, we’re building on that legacy to support these four talented young athletes on their journey to representing their countries at the 2028 Olympics.”
In addition, Jan Sibbersen, Founder and CEO of sailfish, said it was an obvious choice to support the initiative.
“When On first approached us with the idea of establishing an academy to support young triathletes, we didn’t hesitate for a second. sailfish is incredibly proud to offer four talented athletes the chance to pursue their dreams as part of the On Triathlon Academy.”
While the initial roster features four athletes, the program will expand in 2026 with the addition of two more triathletes. However, numbers will remain limited to ensure each athlete receives the highest level of personalized support.
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