Elijah Barker, a sophomore at Central Bucks High School West, achieved the status of All-American triathlete and was ranked as the top triathlete in the men’s 15 and under division by USA Triathlon (USAT) with a score of 97.231.
Barker’s score results from an aggregate of his placement in USAT sponsored triathlons, including a first-place finish in the Steelman Triathlon at Nockamixon State Park and sixth-place finish in the Islandman Triathlon in Avalon, N.J. Triathletes must have competed in at least three USAT sponsored triathlons to qualify for a rank.
“It was quite surprising. I had recognized some of these names on the list because I had raced these guys,” said Barker regarding his top rank. “I was happy that all my training paid off. I was stoked.”
Barker’s top rank was sparked through his top-place finish at the Aug. 7 Steelman Triathlon after coming in fourth the previous year. He participated in the sprint triathlon, which encompassed a half-mile swim, 13.3-mile bike and 3.1-mile run. Competitors swam in Lake Nockamixon with water temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, biked on the hills of Route 563 and finished with a run along a tree-lined course next to the lake. Barker entered the race with his mother’s bike because his was broken and with her wetsuit. He received his own wetsuit after he came in first, a motivation of his throughout the race.
Despite struggling with his transitions between events, Barker succeeded as a result of his race-best 34:19 bike time. “As soon as I transitioned [from the swim] there was a massive hill, so I had to attack it. Once I got to the main highway, I just started ripping it. I ended up having the fastest bike sprint,” explained Barker.
Biking has been Barker’s favorite part of triathlons since he first got involved when he was 8 years old. He began with ToughKids triathlons in New York and New Jersey before competing in his first sprint triathlon at 10 years old. He has since mostly competed in local races and on Draft Legal courses, which allow for competitors to draft off one another during the bike portion of a triathlon instead of following behind the leading bike.
Barker discussed his love for triathlons: “They’re challenging and fun. I’m probably the most in the moment when I’m cycling during a triathlon. I love the atmosphere and the swag.”
Besides competing in triathlons during triathlon season, which mostly includes the summer, Barker competes in cross country, swimming, and track and field at CB West. He does these sports to help him train for triathlons, with each providing him the opportunity to focus on each portion at different times. He bikes throughout the year and is looking to race with the Bike Works Cycling Team of Doylestown this summer.
Barker’s goals for the upcoming triathlon season include winning the Steelman Triathlon again, the Islandman Triathlon and other sprint triathlons. He also wants to get into Ironman racing, which his parents compete in. “The whole atmosphere and lifestyle seems awesome,” said Barker regarding Ironman racing.
Barker attributed much of his success to his parents’ support driving him to competitions and practices and his strong religious faith, noting that he often prays at times during his races.
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