Help send Ben to the World Championships

I’m Ben and I’m one of 18 people that have been chosen to represent the US in the Long Course Triathlon World Championships in Townsville, Australia this August. It’s been a challenging road to make it here and I have conquered every obstacle to earn this honor. I could use your help to get there.

It is my dream to represent the United States at the World Championships and show the world what is possible with hard work and determination. The race festival features more than 4,500 athletes from more than 50 nations. The race itself covers a 3 km (1.9 miles) swim, a 120 km (75 miles) bike ride and finishes with a 30 km (18.6 miles) run.

In 1998, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and needed surgery to remove most of my large intestine. As a competitive athlete, I trained hard to become first a distance runner and then triathlete. Because of my experience with UC, I joined Team Challenge to raise money and awareness for this disease and the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation; as well as coach new people to become distance runners and triathletes. Being able to share my experiences firsthand provided an additional boost both to my team in Colorado and also around the nation.

In February 2023, I suffered a stroke and spent a week in the ICU. After two months of recovery, I trained hard to return to the triathlon podium that June where I placed third against competitors who had never suffered a stroke or had a shortened digestive system.

As I mentioned, I need your help to reach this goal. USATriathlon suggests and I have calculated that I’ll need to raise approximately $10,000 to cover the expenses of this trip.

$3,900 covers my flight and the transportation of my bike to Australia ($2,800 for round trip ticket, $550 each way for bike)

$3,500 covers accommodations and vehicle rental/ travel costs for the week while I’m in Australia

$1,500 covers my registration fees (race entry, international racing license, insurance, etc.)

$650 covers my Team USA uniform and parade clothing

If I’m fortunate to raise more money than I eventually need, I pledge to donate the additional monies to Team Challenge and the American Stroke to support people who have experienced what I have in my life and help them to overcome their own obstacles and reach the heights they are dreaming.

I am going to deliver the performance of my lifetime on the biggest stage possible.

Thank you for whatever support you can provide.

Please join me on my journey on Instagram @bsting303.