The Larry Krutka Scholarship Fund

Larry Krutka (a.k.a The Legend) was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, and a life-long endurance athlete. In March of 2022, he unexpectedly passed away doing what he loved, working out. His family has chosen to partner with USAT to offer a scholarship fund to continue his legacy of community partnerships and serving those around him.  

Larry was one of the inaugural members of USAT and remained an active member until his passing. He was an accomplished athlete and well known in the triathlon community. He completed, won, and podiumed at too many races to count. Before his retirement, he owned a successful fitness business, Krutka Fitness Programs. He was an ACE Certified trainer and certified in the Egoscue method of postural assessment and alignment. He used both strength and form to correct maladies for triathletes, high school/college athletes, corporate employees, and the elderly. He also had strong relationships with physical therapists, trainers, massage therapists, and athletic coaches who helped serve his clients in Tulsa, OK. Some say the “secret sauce” of his success was his degree in psychology, which allowed him to get to know his clients in a different way than most fitness trainers. 

On a personal note, Larry was a person who saw value in every person he met. He taught his kids, and those around him, that getting to know your neighbors, and remembering their names, is the first step in making this world a better place. He never placed judgment or looked down on anyone because of their personal circumstances. After his passing, employees of his favorite bike shop in Tucson shared how much it meant to them that he always knew their names when he came in. Also, it was not uncommon for Larry to hire someone from a completely different walk of life, or a person without a home, to help with an outdoor project that took them weeks or months to complete. He would go into these relationships without an agenda, and spent time working alongside someone he would never have otherwise gotten to know. Larry volunteered at homeless shelters over the holidays and during his retirement he and Donna, his wife, volunteered at a homeless shelter in Tucson. In the fitness arena, and throughout his whole career, he mentored new athletes wanting to get into the sport of triathlons. He would run, bike, or swim with them until they found their place in the triathlete community. 

To carry on Larry’s legacy of athletics, community, and mentorship his family has chosen to partner with USAT to to support the future generation of the sport through youth triathlon grants. USA Triathlon's Youth Grant Program is designed to introduce more young people to the sport and support the development of youth races and clubs. Larry’s family hopes that this support makes triathlon more accessible to young athletes who may not otherwise have the opportunity to compete in the sport.  

Please consider donating in Larry’s memory and help to continue his legacy. 

Sincerely,  

The Krutka Family