our story
Sarah moved to Texas in September of 2024 and quickly immersed herself in the local running scene, attending various run clubs across the area. During a conversation with one of the run club owners, they mentioned wanting their club to have a genuine sense of community, but admitted they weren’t sure how to bring that vision to life. In response, Sarah shared a belief that had long been important to her: community can’t just be talked about—it has to be lived. You have to show up, be present, and actively engage with the people around you. That exchange planted a seed, reinforcing the idea that a truly connected and purpose-driven community was both necessary and possible. The idea of building a real, connected community with a purpose had always existed in the back of her mind, but it wasn’t until she attended the 2025 Multisport Nationals in Omaha, Nebraska, that it began to feel tangible.
“You can’t talk about wanting community if you are not going out into the community and identifying what the needs are.”
— Sarah elizabeth Segrest
In Omaha, she saw the triathlon community in full form—welcoming, encouraging, and diverse. Athletes of all ages and backgrounds were sharing tips and cheering each other on. One moment in particular solidified what community truly meant: someone who had just learned Sarah was new to the sport, as well as only meeting her for one day, sent her a box full of triathlon gear and tools to help her get started. It was a small gesture with a big impact. From that point forward, Sarah knew that if this was going to be a true community-driven movement, she couldn’t build it alone. She needed to find others who shared the same vision.
That’s when Sarah met Yaqin.
A Texas native, Yaqin has been passionate about endurance sports his whole life. After years of running, he turned to triathlon as a new challenge, hoping to push himself further as an athlete. But like many newcomers, he quickly realized how much guesswork was involved in the sport. From training plans to fueling strategies to understanding the logistics, he was navigating most of it alone. Knowing Sarah had completed multiple triathlons, reaching out to her for advice was a natural step. But he also recognized that not everyone has that kind of connection, and for many, the learning curve in triathlon can feel isolating.
That’s where The Collective Tri comes in.
Born from a shared vision between Sarah and Yaqin, The Collective Tri is designed to be that missing connection—a place where anyone, from complete beginners to seasoned athletes, can find support, guidance, and community. It’s about offering the help we once needed, creating a space where no one feels like they have to figure it out alone.
But the story of The Collective Tri is far from finished. As the community continues to grow, so does the story—with every new member, every shared experience, and every finish line crossed together. We believe the evolution of this space should be shaped by the people within it, and we hope that as The Collective Tri expands, it remains rooted in connection, support, and purpose. Just as we invite others to grow through sport, we’re committed to growing alongside this community—learning, evolving, and continuing to build something bigger than ourselves.