For American athletes aspiring for a chance to race at the Olympics this year, this weekend’s race in Yokohama is vitally important. Summer Rappaport managed to get an auto selection spot at the Tokyo Test Event in 2019, leaving two positions remaining for the American women. The final auto-selection race takes place this weekend in at the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) Yokohama.
Which means not having her luggage is a monstrous issue for Olympic hopeful Taylor Spivey, who is currently third in the World Triathlon Individual Olympic Qualification Ranking – leading that ranking is her countrywoman Katie Zaferes. In a tweet today she let the world know that her “luggage has not been located.”
Hey @airfrance my luggage has not been located, and I have our Olympic Qualification race in 4 days. This is important! Someone needs to do their job.— Taylor Spivey (@TKSpivey) May 11, 2021
For the Americans only one woman can be automatically selected to the Olympic team – the top athlete on the podium. Unlike at the Test Event, where Rappaport finished fifth to nail her spot in Tokyo, the selection criteria for this weekend requires a podium finish.
The Olympic qualification period runs until June 14. In addition to the race in Yokohama, there will be one more WTCS event in Leeds on June 5-6. Athletes can continue to earn qualifying points at other World Cup events, too – there are three scheduled before the June 14 deadline in Lisbon (Portugal), Arzachena (Italy) and Huatulco (Mexico).
