Search
shop

Up for the Cup – Watts, True, West and Kanute earn Team US wildcards

We now know the Team US line up for the Collins Cup after Julie Moss and Dave Scott revealed their Captains' Picks
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The first Captains’ Picks have been revealed for the Collins Cup, with Sophie Watts, Sarah True, Jason West and Ben Kanute called into Team US.

Following last week’s announcement of the athletes automatically qualified for the PTO’s flagship event on 20 August, Team US Captains Julie Moss and Dave Scott are the first to break cover and name their wildcards.

Advertisement

Added firepower

Team US Collins Cup wildcards photo credit PTO
[Photo credit: PTO]

Commenting on their reasoning, six-time Kona winner Scott said, “In selecting Watts, True, West and Kanute, we have added additional firepower to Team US.

“In Jason West we have an athlete who has broken out this year and begun to show his potential with a great performance in Chattanooga, where he scored 98 PTO world ranking points. Ben Kanute is a Collins Cup veteran, having the fourth fastest time at last year’s event. He understands the pressure that occurs once you don the stars and stripes, and we know he is a man prepared for the battle.”

Moss explained it was a close call on the women’s side: ‘It was a difficult decision as there were many deserving athletes.

“With Sophie Watts’ 2022 performances after an injury in 2021 all being the mid to high 80s, she has demonstrated not only consistency, but a fierce determination well suited for being a part of Team US. Her strength on the run will make her a feared opponent at Samorin.

“What can I say about Sarah True? Coming back from maternity leave and injury, she has had two races this year, and averaged 103 points. As a former Olympian, she has the speed, strength, and guts to challenge any athlete at the Collins Cup.”

Shock in store?

Rounding out their comments on their picks, Moss and Scott concluded, “It is an honour for us to lead these fine athletes. Team US may be the underdogs, but in last year’s matches we shocked people when taking an early lead. With the strength of the team this year our goal is to build on last year and carry it all the way through to lift the Collins Cup trophy.”

That quartet will join the eight athletes who qualified automatically for the United States – Matt Hanson, Sam Long, Rudy Von Berg and Chris Leiferman on the men’s side, with Taylor Knibb, Skye Moench, Chelsea Sodaro and Jackie Hering for the women.

Team Europe and Team International will reveal their Captian’s Picks later this week – here’s who we think is in the reckoning.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Jess Learmonth T100 Vancouver joy 2025
Jess Learmonth is still daring to dream after childbirth and injury comebacks
Marten Van Riel finish line T100 Dubai 2024 photo credit PTO / T100
Van Riel faces World Championship fitness battle after revealing injury and mental health concerns
Chelsea Sodaro IRONMAN World Championship 2024 post race
Last chance saloon as final Kona and Nice spots up for grabs
Will Draper Sam Long T100 London 2025 run sprint
‘No feet to swim on and no shoulders to run on’ – the harsh realities of playing catch up in T100
Megan McDonald dislocated shoulder T100 London 2025 swim
Top triathlete called an ‘absolute warrior’ after moving dislocated shoulder back DURING swim
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...