Bannink is coaching London 2012 hope Gwen Jorgensen (pictured left), who finished as runner up at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championship Series event in London last year.

Jorgensen also claimed the USA Triathlon Elite Race Series title last year.

In addition, Bannink launched the first junior triathlon team in Madison in 2011, and was a regular contributor to the USA Triathlon National Team and the education clinics of the Project 2012 team coaches.

"I'm humbled by this recognition and lucky to work with a number of exceptional athletes and to have great support and guidance from my coaching mentors and USA Triathlon," Bannink said.

"Receiving this honour reminds me just how fortunate I am to witness my athletes achieve their goals, whether it be competing in their first triathlon or representing their country in the Olympic Games."

Weber has mentored endurance athletes for much of the last decade, and is the founder of the Z3 High Performance Triathlon Team.

Z3 has produced five national championship winners and two World Championship qualifiers in its four year existence, and is the number three ranked triathlon development team in the United States.


As well as being the USA Triathlon under 23 coach for the 2011 ITU World Championships in Beijing, Weber (pictured) is also their Midwest region athlete development coordinator.

"I am so very fortunate to work with a team of athletes from across the Midwest committed to achieving and being their very best," said Weber.

"My goal has been to create an environment for my athletes and families where good health and character become the easy choices using triathlon as a conduit.

"Believing in that foundation, along with an exceptional support staff, the right training and skill development, I know the athletes will have many successes in this sport and more importantly in life."

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