My son intends to this year if he can. Considering he qualified for Team USA in USAT last year then decided not to go I'd say he stands a chance. I've seen enough to know what to expect having gone to most of his races, and that is you really, really REALLY need to know how to suck up and go on through the pain. HTFU is the name of the game. It's not all about the bike either. I've seen lots not make it through even the swim.