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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I don't qualify in my home state, can I attempt to qualify elsewhere?
A: No. Best of the U.S. in a single-elimination competition; athletes have one opportunity to qualify, and that is in the Designated Qualifier for the state in which they reside.
Q: I live in Vermont and go to college in California. Can I attempt to qualify in both states?
A: No, but you do have the option of attempting to qualify in either California or Vermont. You must notify us in advance of your intent, or your results from the earliest event will be official for Best of the U.S. purposes.
Q: I am active military and am stationed away from my permanent address. Where do I qualify?
A: Same answer as above, for college students. The key is to notify us in advance where you intend to qualify, and why.
Q: I'm from Washington, DC; where is my Qualifier?
A: DC athletes are considered residents of Maryland for purposes of this Competition. If, however, at least two DC athletes place in the top 5 in the Maryland Qualifier, Best of the US management will consider giving Washington, DC its own Qualifier in the future. To date, no DC athletes have finished in passdown positions.
Q: Do you think any Masters will qualify for the Championship? What about Juniors?
A: Historically, about 20% of the championship's field have been masters. In 2008, Minnesota's Brian Bich became the first Master to reach the podium, finishing 3rd. As for Juniors, the numbers are growing. In 2005, only one –18-year-old Katie Barnoskie of Kansas – qualified. The next year, four Juniors qualified and three competed – Sam Danenbring (SD), Daniel Agnew (OK), and Amanda Russell (TX). And Daniel Agnew placed a remarkable 6th overall in a breakout performance. In 2007, 18-year-old Rob Webster Jr. of Washington turned in the performance of the day, placing 4th overall. That's why Best of the U.S. doesn't offer age group categories.
Q: I have a USAT Pro Card but would like to compete in BOUS. Can I drop my card and attempt to qualify?
A: No. You have an annual license that won't expire until the end of the calendar year. You can attempt to qualify in the following year, however.
Q: I'm in USA Triathlon's 23U program; am I eligible?
A: Great question! The answer is YES. 23 & under athletes race in ITU draft-legal events but are licensed by USAT as amateurs.
Q: I have a good chance of medaling at my State Qualifier; how will I be notified if the Championship slot passes down to me?
A: Beginning in 2010, all of the Top Three at the Qualifier Races are automatically invited to the Championship; first place to the Champions Wave, 2nd and 3rd place to Wave 2, where they will still compete for overall and team awards. Thus, no more waiting to see if a passdown slot will open up.
Q: Why do only one man and one woman from each state get to advance to the Championship?
A: No longer true, although only the top finisher at each state qualifies for the Champions Wave. NEW IN 2010 -- all six medalists are automatically invited, and play a crucial role in competing for the Coed, Male and Female Fastest State Team awards.