In 2016, triathlete Christy Fritts got a life-changing phone call from Amy Dixon, one of the world’s top triathletes with a visual impairment. Dixon needed a guide for the ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Cozumel—just 12 days away. The role would require Fritts to navigate every part of the race with Dixon: the swim, bike, and run, all while ensuring safety, providing verbal cues, and maintaining competitive speed.

The Role of a Guide in Para Triathlon 

In para triathlon, guides are essential for athletes with visual impairments. The two are connected by a tether in the swim and run, and ride together on a tandem bike. The guide must have the technical skills to match the athlete’s pace, react to changes in the course, and communicate constantly to anticipate turns, obstacles, and competitor movements. At the elite level, guides must be faster than the athlete on their worst day and possess strong racing instincts. 

Winning Gold With Amy Dixon 

Fritts quickly immersed herself in learning the rules, transitions, and strategies of ITU para triathlon. With just two days to prepare together, she and Dixon developed a system of verbal cues and physical positioning. On race day, their trust and coordination led to victory—they won gold at the World Championships. 

The partnership continued beyond Cozumel, with Fritts guiding Dixon at multiple events on her road to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. When Fritts stepped back for back surgery, Age Group World Champion Kirsten Sass took over as Dixon’s primary guide, with Fritts remaining an experienced backup. 

Dixon explains the challenge of finding guides: 

“Finding guides—especially at the elite level—is like finding a unicorn. The guide must be an excellent communicator, have exceptional bike handling skills, and act as therapist and coach while navigating the swim, bike, and run. And they have to be at least 5% faster than the athlete on their worst day.” 

Passing It Forward at CAF’s Youth Paratriathlon Camp 

In 2021, Fritts brought her guiding skills to CAF’s Youth Paratriathlon Camp in Mission Bay, San Diego. The camp gathers young athletes with physical disabilities from across the country to train with USA Triathlon-certified coaches, gain confidence in their abilities, and connect with peers in the sport. 

Fritts was paired with 17-year-old Maggie, an emerging para triathlete who lost most of her vision due to a retinal condition at birth. Maggie had developed her athletic skills through swimming and track, and she was now determined to make Team USA. 

Their first ride together on a tandem bike around Fiesta Island showed Maggie’s natural strength and determination. She was especially inspired to learn that Fritts had guided Dixon—an athlete she had followed for years. 

Racing Together 

During the camp’s triathlon, the pair swam tethered, transitioned to the tandem for a 4-mile bike ride, and finished with a 2-mile run connected at the waist. Fritts’ guidance ensured Maggie stayed safe, on pace, and confident throughout the race. At the finish line, Maggie received a surprise congratulatory call from Dixon, encouraging her to keep chasing her goals. 

Why Guiding Matters 

Guiding is more than racing—it’s about access. Athletes with visual impairments can compete at the highest levels when paired with skilled guides, but opportunities depend on having trained, available partners. Events like CAF’s Youth Paratriathlon Camp provide critical connections between athletes and guides, opening doors to future competitions. 

Be Part of the Journey 

The CAF Community Challenge, held October 22–24 in Mission Bay, San Diego, celebrates the power of sport to transform lives. Funds raised provide athletes with physical disabilities the equipment, training, and competition support they need to thrive. 

Join the CAF Community Challenge and help create more opportunities for athletes like Amy Dixon and Maggie to reach their goals.