Russ, who has coached his Team Sport Factory athletes to more than 100 event victories, will accompany the squad to next year's ITU World Championships in Beijing.

"This is without doubt the high point in my coaching career so far, and I would like to thank all the athletes that have entrusted me with their passion over the years," said Russ.

"I look forward to serving the team and my country in Beijing."

Russ earned the Team USA coaching position by guiding 16 athletes - more than any other USAT-certified coach - to the starting line at the 2010 USA Triathlon Age Group and Sprint National Championships last month in Tuscaloosa.

Team USA is comprised of amateur athletes who represent the United States at each ITU World Championship event.

Russ will travel to Beijing, China, in September 2011 as a part of the USA Triathlon support staff for the ITU World Championships.

He will help prepare Team USA athletes for the ITU Age Group and Sprint World Championships by organising group swims, course rides and group runs and by serving as a coaching resource for the US age group athletes in China.

Russ, who has the highest level of certification from both USA Triathlon and USA Cycling, is a full-time coach and has worked with hundreds of athletes across all multisport distances and disciplines over the past 15 years.

He was an assistant coach for the US team at the 2008 New Plymouth ITU World Cup and completed the USA Triathlon Elite Mentorship Programme.