Maui graduate heads to National Triathlon Championships, launches new UH Warrior Triathlon Team

A recent Maui graduate is making waves in the triathlon world — and on college campuses across Hawaiʻi.

Grey Chong, a 2023 graduate of Kīhei Charter High School and current University of Hawaiʻi student, is set to compete in the USA Triathlon National Championships this weekend. Chong qualified after winning her age division and placing seventh overall among female competitors in the Honolulu Triathlon.

A top-10 finish at nationals would earn her a spot on Team USA for international competition.

Chong, now based on Oʻahu, is also creating new opportunities for student-athletes in Hawaiʻi by starting a collegiate triathlon club team under the University of Hawaiʻi banner. The UH Warrior Triathlon Team will be open to students across all UH campuses and is registered to compete in the western conference during the spring 2026 season, following a fall training period.

“I didn’t want to leave Hawaiʻi to compete at the collegiate level, so I decided to build something here,” Chong said.

While mainland travel for competitions will require students to be enrolled at UH Mānoa, the team is open to all UH students with a valid hawaii.edu email — and inter-island competition will be accessible regardless of campus.

“I want to show mainland schools what training all year round can do for a team,” Chong said.

Those interested in the UH Triathlon club can email chonga4@hawaii.edu for more information.