# Study a Triathlete

Part of the Multisport Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/multisport/guide/index.md)

*8. Staying Involved*

> **8b.** Research an Olympic, Paralympic, or professional triathlete (past or current). Share information on their background in the sport and what inspires you most about this individual.

A good athlete profile is more than a list of medals. Look at how the person entered the sport, what obstacles they faced, what strengths defined them, and what lessons a Scout could learn from their story.

You might compare athletes by asking:

- How did they get started?
- What setbacks did they overcome?
- What skills or habits made them successful?
- What part of their character stands out most?

Video: [Paralympic Triathlon (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtVyOewaX3Y%20)

Video: [Olympic Triathlon (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_8jcSU6kNc%20)

> **Tip**
>
> When your counselor asks what inspires you, pick something specific. “They kept competing after injury” is stronger than “they worked hard.”

[World Triathlon](https://www.triathlon.org/): Use the official world governing body site to find athlete profiles, event results, and background information on elite and para-triathlon competition.

Next, you can turn your own experience into leadership by helping others get started.

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- Previous: [Keep Participating](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/multisport/guide/req8a/index.md)
- Next: [Lead a Training Group](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/multisport/guide/req8c/index.md)