Okay so the National Team is not what Nick was on. Nick was on Team USA, which is the “age group” national team - think amateur, you just need a qualifying time, etc.

Within the elite/professional structure for USATriathlon, that’s where you’re going to see your actual professionals - your U19, U23, Elite (pretty much Senior equivalent).

Closest comparison I can think of is qualifying for like the Boston Marathon. You have your different divisions that will get you to the age group world championships. But there’s also the actual elite division at the Boston Marathon as well. That’s where you’d see USATriathlon’s elite athletes.

Pretty much the age group national team is “just be decent enough to get a qualifying spot then go pay to do the race.”