McIntyre makes Team America for triathlon training

Not yet 18, four-time regional gold medallist Luke McIntyre has received a big boost to his career. He has been chosen for an elite development programme that will take place in two South American countries in August.

McIntyre, who attends Harrison College in Barbados, is a rising multisport star. He has represented Barbados in regional competitions since he was 11. He currently holds the CARIFTA Games Under-20 boys 5000m gold medal and is also the Under-16 champion from the Under-CARIFTA Triathlon Championships.

On Tuesday, the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes (BFIT) announced that McIntyre was chosen by the Americas Triathlon Development Committee for the Team Americas Training Camp. The camp runs from August 6 to 24 in Asunción, Paraguay, and Lima, Peru. Athletes will train with top up-and-coming talent from the Americas and compete in the World Triathlon Development Cup in Asunción and the Americas Triathlon Junior Cup in Lima.

The Team Americas programme is part of the Road to the 2027 Lima Pan American Games. It aims to identify and support athletes from developing national federations who show potential to compete at the continental level and advance to future Pan American Games and Olympic events.

McIntyre is one of six young men chosen from across the Americas. BFIT said his selection is a testament to his dedication, perseverance and consistent performances on the regional circuit.

“Being chosen to train and compete within this elite development environment is an important milestone in his athletic journey and reflects his potential to continue progressing on the international stage,” he said.

BFIT congratulated Luke and wished him every success at the training camp and competitions.

“The Federation remains committed to supporting the development of its athletes and is proud to see Barbadian triathletes earning recognition through opportunities such as Team Americas,” the release said.

McIntyre’s impressive young career includes winning a mixed relay gold for Barbados at last year’s CARIFTA Triathlon Championships with his sister Laila McIntyre, Ali Banfield, and Fynn Armstrong. Earlier, he won both the Under-14 Boys’ Triathlon and Aquathlon. He also competed at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games as one of the youngest triathletes and earned a bronze medal in the 5000m at his first CARIFTA Games last year.​

(TF)