The beauty of sport is seldom found in a gold medal or in crossing the line first. Inasmuch as sport can build character, it can also reveal it. It can show who we truly are as people and offer a chance to be fearless when everything is on the line.

In the latest chapter of World Triathlon’s Paths to Paris series, Kenji Nener (JPN) shares his take on the Olympic Games and what it means to rise to the occasion.

“The Olympics is basically an expression of who you are as an athlete.”

Some may focus on the scale of the event or what the moment itself means for an athlete’s career. For Kenji Nener, though, there is something far more personal and reflective to the Games.

Having made his first Olympic appearance in Tokyo, he is looking ahead to making a second in Paris.

Nener has not yet qualified for the Japanese team. To take the first priority selection, he needs to maintain a slot in the top-20 of the Olympic Qualification rankings. For most of the qualifying period, Nener has hovered within that elite group.

The place could still be could be threatened if he slips down the rankings or if two other Japanese men hit a top-8 finish at WTCS Yokohama. Otherwise, he is not far from being able to look ahead to Paris.
Already, Nener has thrown himself into training for the new season.

“It’s been a lot of travel. I haven’t even started the year yet and I’ve flown a lot.”

After his off-season break, he headed to Tenerife with Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden - “that was a shock to the system to be honest!” – and a training camp in Morocco followed before he journeyed back to Australia to visit family.

“Morocco killed me actually. It was 2600m above sea level and that definitely was a punch. I was cooked for about a month.”

Another camp in Sierra Nevada came next, although, going forward, Nener will be based in Japan. Aside from race weekends, he is looking forward to being in a fixed place for a spell.
The WTCS stops in Abu Dhabi and Yokohama formed the crux of his early season plan. In between, there is the first ever Hong Kong World Cup. Not often one to dip into the World Cup circuit, Nener’s decision to race there catches the eye.

“I’m using it as a chance to experiment with some race strategies. It’s more about simulation.”

With a view to Paris this summer, Nener’s Olympic preparation is therefore tactical as much as it is physical.

“By far my priority is definitely just to hit it until Yokohama and then after that I’m really just going to focus on the preparation for Paris. It doesn’t need to be an excessive amount of training, it just needs to be finding those 1% details and getting all those small things right.”

“I have over-trained a lot over the last couple of years. This is the first year I actually get to taper properly so we’ll see what happens!”

Although sickness went some way to explaining the circumstances, Nener was not happy with how he finished his 2023 campaign.

“The second half of last year was what I consider to be the poorer half in terms of results. I was in far better training condition than I was in the first half of the year so it was really quite frustrating. I was unable to demonstrate close to my potential at all.”

In the first half of the season, Nener finished 11th in Yokohama, 9th in Cagliari and 10th in Montreal. Interspersed with those results was a good finish at the French Grand Prix race in Metz.

“I still didn’t dictate the race,” countered Nener. “On the run, the race was not determined by me at all. I need to learn how to actually race.”

Hence, he will be heading to Hong Kong in search of practice. His rivals like Dorian Coninx, Hayden Wilde, Leo Bergere and Alex Yee have raced at the front of WTCS fields on numerous occasions.

“I haven’t actually been there,” said Nener. “I’ve been what I consider to be one standard deviation back.”

When it comes to discussing Nener’s performances, the concept of self-expression returns.

“I haven’t been able to express my abilities. I know, physically, I should be there, I just haven’t been able to demonstrate it. It’s easy for me to say that but I’m confident that I should be there if I deliver on the day.”

“When I was training with Alex (Yee) in Loughborough last year, I was in arguably the best shape, run-wise, of my life. I couldn’t demonstrate it; I was running so badly off the bike in races.”

“That’s just the nature of the sport. Sometimes it doesn’t translate.”

When it comes to the Olympic Games, some of his sharpest insights were reserved for the course.

“I’m a bit 50-50, to be honest,” acknowledged Nener. “I think it’s an extremely fast course. I think it could be good if people want to challenge themselves on the bike, but if people are going to idle then it’s going to be a very stagnant race.”

“I think you can ride that course so quick that it’ll be hard for the pack behind to close the gap if you’re smart. The velocity you can ride at around that course can be so quick if you potentially do the right line and rotations that I don’t think it will close. There aren’t enough cobbles for it to be a ‘grunt’ course either, so for someone who has a lot of power to jump across the cobble sections.

Looking back to the Olympic Test Event, in both the men’s and women’s races the field broke up in the swim only to come back together on the bike. As a result, the velocities Nener anticipates this summer were not really on show. One line of thought could be that the athletes were reticent to show their cards.

Nener pointed to another factor.

“What I will say is they were more concerned with qualification. I think some athletes were definitely concerned with that and didn’t express their abilities in the swim-bike part, they just wanted to give themselves the best chance to make the team.”

“The Olympics is different. I’m pretty sure they will want to express themselves as an athlete.”

Thus, Nener is expecting a fast, aggressive race in Paris. At the same time, there will have to be a balance between the quest for self-expression and cold, hard results. In an ideal world both would go hand-in-hand.

Sometimes risks don’t pay off but sometimes they do.

“What I think will happen on the day in Paris is that there will be fifteen people on the start line that could medal. It’s not going to go the way of eight. It could happen for seven and four of them will make a mistake. Bronze will not be quite as good as the guys that get first and second so, really, you can say the bronze medal is up for grabs.”

“I believe if things go my way, I could medal.”

Olympic history supports him. In Tokyo, Hayden Wilde claimed Olympic bronze without a WTCS medal to his name. Moreover, Henri Schoeman won Olympic bronze in Rio de Janeiro before taking a first WTCS medal.

If history suggests a medal is possible, Nener believes a real taper could help. “I don’t think I’ve been ever fresh enough to perform at 100%,” he summises.

When it comes to Paris, there is also a simple fact that may also liberate how he races.

“It’s my last Games,” he confirmed. “I don’t know how many people will go into that race, apart from maybe Kristian (Blummenfelt), or Vincent (Luis) or maybe Pierre (Le Corre), with that mentality. There will be very few people that so strongly believe that this is it. It’s not like I feel the impending pressure, but if you’re going to demonstrate something, you’ve got to do it now.”

When all is said and done, then, this summer might be the chance to see the true Kenji Nener when he lays it all on the line.

The Road to Paris continues for Paralympic hopefuls, as they gear up to take on the 2024 World Triathlon Para Series opener in Devonport, Australia, on Friday 15th March. With only ten races left before the Paralympic Qualification Period ends on July 1st, top para triathletes from around the globe arrive in Tasmania, vying for crucial ranking points. The stakes are high with the top para triathletes clinching quota spots for their nations.

RACING ON HOME SOIL
Fresh off their wins in the recent Oceania Triathlon Para Championships in Stockton and ready to race on home soil again, Nic Beveridge (PTWC), Sam Harding (PTVI), Thomas Goodman (PTS2), Jeremy Peacock (PTS4), Jack Howell (PTS5), Anu Francis (PTS2), Grace Brimelow (PTS4), and Maggie Sandles (PTVI) are looking to continue their strong starts to the season. Glen Jarvis (PTS2), David Bryant (PTS5), Justin Godfrey (PTS3), Liam Twomey (PTS4), Sally Pilbeam (PTS4) and Caroline Baird (PTVI) round out the impressive line-up of Aussies. Australian athletes can secure automatic nominations for those ranking within the top five in their respective categories.

PREVIEW THE RACES
PTS5
With newfound confidence, Jack Howell (PTS5) will take on the World Triathlon Para Series opener following his first Continental-level triumph in Stockton – a win that propelled him up three spots to sixth in the Paralympic Qualification rankings.

Gwladys Lemoussu (FRA) earned the victory in the World Triathlon Para Cup Taranto to cap her 2023 season and will be hunting the top step in the World Triathlon Para Series opener in Devonport this weekend.

PTVI
In the men’s PTVI category, Spain’s Jose Luis García Serrano will be the main contender as he starts his season in Australia. Serrano earned gold in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Cup Malaga which closed his strong 2023 season.

USA’s McClain Hermes will headline the women’s PTVI category and has arrived into Australia in brilliant form after securing the silver medal in the 2024 Americas Paratriathlon Championships Miami last weekend.

PTS4
The battles will be fierce in the men’s PTS4 category with Australia’s Jeremy Peacock and USA’s Carson Clough going head to head in a stacked field. Australia’s Liam Twomey will also prove a threat in the race.

Spain’s Camille Seneclauze and Australia’s Grace Brimelow are the race favourites in the women’s PTS4 category. Brimelow secured gold in the 2024 Oceania Triathlon Para Championships Stockton and is motivated towards the Paris 2024 Paralympics start line.

PTS3
Nico Van Der Burgt of the Netherlands had a tremendous 2023 season earning bronze in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Cup Paris, the national title in the 2023 NED Paratriathlon National Championships, fourth place in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Championships Pontevedra and the silver medal in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Cup Malaga. Van Der Burgt is the main medal prospect in the men’s PT23 category and will be challenged by the likes of Australia’s Justin Godfrey and Frenchman Michael Herter.

Ireland’s Cassie Cava secured gold in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Cup Malaga and silver in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Cup Taranto and will be vying for the top of the women’s PTS3 podium in Devonport.

PTS2
Australia’s Anu Francis and USA’s Allysa Seely are marked as medal favourites in the women’s PTS2 category. Francis secured the title in the 2024 Oceania Triathlon Para Championships Stockton.

Spain’s Lionel Morales is the favourite in the men’s PTS2 category after earning gold in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Cup Malaga and fourth place in the 2023 World Triathlon Para Championships Pontevedra.

PTWC
Australia’s Nic Beveridge and Italy’s Giovanni Achenza are no strangers to the race course and will be fixed on a heated battle in the men’s PTWC field on Friday, with valuable points for the taking and qualification for Paris 2024 in sight. Beveridge is currently number two in the World Triathlon Paralympic Qualification Ranking while Achenza is currently fourth.

With Australia’s Paralympian and world champion Lauren Parker not in this week’s race, Spain’s Eva Maria Moral Pedrero is the gold medal prospect in the women’s PTWC field.

Devonport Triathlon will run from Friday, March 15th through Sunday, March 17th, 2024, headlined by the World Triathlon Para Series. Additionally, the weekend in Devonport will feature the Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships, Oceania Triathlon Mixed Relay Championship, Australian Elite Sprint Championships, and age group events.

WATCH WTPS DEVONPORT
Friday, March 15 – from 1:30 pm AEST
TriathlonLive.TV
Review full start lists
To view the World Triathlon Paralympic Games Qualification Rankings, click here.
To view the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games Nomination Criteria, click here.

In February, World Triathlon celebrated reaching 10,000 members of the World Triathlon Education & Knowledge Hub! Ten years ago the Education Hub was designed to educate and bring our sport together. Thank you for being an important member of our community.

Other milestone events in February included -
National Federation (NF) Services
- The February edition of the NF Open hours, focused on development strategy discussions. We discovered how Continental Confederations are shaping the future of the sport and how World Triathlon’s investments are driving global progress.
- In Prague during the European Triathlons Presidence Conference, World Triathlon signed off on the 2024 World Triathlon - Europe Triathlon Development Agreement
- To remain in good standing, NF’s are reminded to complete their 2024 TRI Membership Obligations and submit as soon as possible to World Triathlon.

Athlete Development
- 14 Athletes who have the potential to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games through the Individual Olympic Ranking, the continental “new flag,” or the IOC Universality Invitational Places have been selected for the coveted World Triathlon Athlete Scholarships.  Read who the athletes are below and watch their progress as we head towards Paris 2024!
- World Triathlon has also extended the application deadline for the Team World Triathlon project linked to the World Cup in Chengdu, China. Application details are below.

Coach Education
- It is all about revalidation this March! CRoC revalidation - have you revalidated? Time is running out!
- Hear the inspirational stories of coaches from developing nations in various regions and how they apply their World Triathlon coaching knowledge.

Para Triathlon
- Applications closing soon for the World Triathlon support grants designed to offer financial assistance for Para Athletes’ for World Triathlon Para events with the objective of gaining Olympic Qualification points on the way to 2024 Paris. 

Technical Officials
- Algeria hosted a TO and Event Organiser course,
- European Technical Officials of the year were named and
- Winter World Championship Technical Officials shone in Italy, check out the video link below!

NATIONAL FEDERATION SERVICES

Development is in the epicentre of the NF Open Hours

The first session of the NF Open Hours occurred on February 14-15, allowing the Continental Confederations to introduce their development strategy and planning for 2024. On the first day, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania presented, while on the second day, Oceania shifted to the Americas due to the time zone differences.

World Triathlon invests about 1.5 million USD annually into the development of the sport worldwide. Based on the annual continental development plan, most of this investment goes directly to the Continental Confederations and from the Continents to the National Federations. World Triathlon continuously develops and maintains the infrastructure, resources and services of the development and education framework.

In summary -Africa Triathlon will focus on the implementation of the Development Regional Cups as a vehicle for the Coach, Athletes, Technical Officials and Event Organisers’ Development. This is expected to emphasise on coach education and facilitating athletes’ career pathway from junior towards U23 with tightened criteria in a junior development camp environment. Being in the Olympic/Paralympic year, elite athletes’ and Para triathletes’ support remains high to ensure the continent will take new flag slots.

Asia Triathlon Executive Board approved the new continental strategic plan last year, intending to foster the five subregion’s development and create a tailor-made program for each. Asia plans to introduce the Development Regional Cup concept as a development tool and keep coach education and Para triathlon initiatives on the top of their initiatives while improving the competitiveness of Asian athletes, which remains a top priority.

Americas Triathlon will organise nine Development Regional Cups in 2024 and use these events as a complex development tool for levelling up the capacity of athletes, coaches and Technical Officials.
Europe Triathlon continues its development structure set more than ten years ago by dividing support into two domains: application-based targeted direct support for National Federations and central development initiatives (camps, coaches and TOs education) implementation using World Triathlon Development Infrastructure. The successful launch of the 2023 Para Triathlon Horizon Programme in 2023 will be taken to the next level this year.

Oceania Triathlon has restructured targets and the implementation of the development programme by creating individual NF plans in each domain of development (Events, TOs, Coaches, Athletes and Governance). Instead of an expensive annual continental camp, Oceania aims to send experts to the nations to conduct specific projects based on their national needs. Human and financial investments will be set up to support the preparation of the following Mini Pacific Games in Palau in 2025.

Recordings & Presentations are available on triathlon.org
February 14-15, 2024 | Development
Webinar Recording (14 February session, English)
Webinar Recording (14 February session, French)
Webinar Recording (15 February session, English)
Webinar Recording (15 February session, Espanol)
The next NF Open Hours will take place on April 17-18. Stay fine-tuned for more information as we get closer to the session.

World Triathlon signs Development Agreement with Europe Triathlon in Prague

On the occasion of the Europe Triathlon Presidents’ Conference on 17 February in Prague (CZE), World Triathlon President Marisol Casado and Renato Bertrandi, Europe Triathlon President, signed off the 2024 World Triathlon - Europe Triathlon Development Agreement about 157 200 EUR grant to support the grow of triathlon in the continent.
A copy of the agreement can be found HERE.

Complete 2024 TRI Membership Obligations
World Triathlon calls its members to fulfil annual membership obligations - submit the 2023 NF Survey and 2023 financial statements and pay the membership fee - before 30 April 2024 to remain in Good Standing. Please contact us at federations@triathlon.org for any further details.

Congratulations, and thank you to Triathlon Finland for being the first National Federation to fulfill membership requirements in 2024. The Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes took second place on the podium. Who will make it to the podium this year?

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

World Triathlon Athlete Scholarship
The 2024 World Triathlon Athlete Scholarship focuses on athletes who have the potential to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games through the Individual Olympic Ranking, the continental “new flag,” or the IOC Universality Invitational Places. Athletes must be endorsed by their National Federation from NF Groups 2, 3B and 3A.

There are only a few months left until the qualification period’s cut-off day (27 May).

World Triathlon received 43 nominations from 25 National Federations from four continents (Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe). The gender ratio was 65 - 35 % (28 male and 15 female applicants).

The selection panel carefully reviewed all the nominations and awarded the following athletes with the TRI Scholarship on the way to Paris 2024.

2024 World Triathlon Athlete Scholarship Holders
Maria Carolina Velasquez (COL)
Raquel Solis Guerro (CRC)
Erica Hawley (BER)
Romana Gajdosova (SVK)
Ivana Kuriackova (SVK)
Zuzana Michalickova   (SVK)
Jawad Abdelmoula (MAR)
Matthew Wright (BAR)
Diego Moya (CHI)
Gaspar Riveros (CHI)
Armando Matute (ECU)
Gabriel Teran (ECU)
Tyler Smith (BER)
Vitalii Vorontsov (UKR)

Petra Kurikova (CZE) and Tereza Zimovjanova (CZE) will be invited to one of the Team World Triathlon projects (either World Triathlon Cup Chengdu or Samarkand) before the closure of the Paris Olympic Qualification Period.

African Triathlon Scholarship Holders in 2024
Shanae Williams (RSA)
Seifeldeen Ismail (EGY)
Selmi Seifeddine (TUN)
Badr Siwane (MAR)
Jean Gael Laurent L`entete (MRI)

Team World Triathlon: Chengdu & Samarkand
World Triathlon named two World Triathlon Cup events (Chengdu and Samarkand) to unite and support the members for the final qualification battles of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.  World Triathlon has extended the application deadline for the project linked to the World Cup in Chengdu, China. The new application deadline is Monday, 11 March 2024 (CET).

Please check for more details here. Team World Triathlon | Development • World Triathlon

Have you read this article about Team World Triathlon members? The road ahead to Paris for Team World Triathlon • World Triathlon

COACHING EDUCATION

Watch inspiring stories from coaches around the world.

There are no two identical coaching journeys. Different regions of the world provide, different coaching opportunities, and challenges.

This month, we introduce the backgrounds and mindsets of colleagues from other countries and cultures - revealing their experiences, views and suggestions for up-and-coming coach generations.

This series was captured after the 2023 Seoul Korea Triathlon Federation - World Triathlon Coaches Courses.

Episode #1: World Triathlon launches Coach Education video series as part of Development program
Episode #2: Fiji coaches feature in the next episode of the Coach Education Series
Episode #3: Coaches from India and Lebanon feature in the next episode of Education video series

CRoC: month to go to complete your coach certification revalidation
Since the 1 February launch of this year’s Certificate Revalidation of Coaches (CRoC), about 27% of World Triathlon Certified Coaches have already completed their annual updates. The continental completion rates are as follows at this stage:
Africa Triathlon: 29%
Americas Triathlon: 22%
Asia Triathlon: 26%
Europe Triathlon: 26%
Oceania Triathlon: 46%

We are happy to announce that completing the anti-doping tasks of the 2024 Revalidation will also result in the eligibility to apply for event accreditations without the need to complete the High-Performance Coach Anti-Doping Education 2024.

An important reminder to those who still need to start or complete is to log in and finish their annual tasks by 31 March 2024. Please note that specific tasks will only display correctly if the Accessibility Toolbar is disabled (go to the website and click “Accessibility” to adjust.) We also ask you to double-check the completion of both anti-doping scenarios, as there was a bug in the progress display.

PARA TRIATHLON

Applications are open for the Para triathlete support grant

World Triathlon is proud to announce the Para triathlon support grants for 2024, to offer financial assistance to Para triathletes to prepare and attend World Triathlon sanctioned Para events in order to gain Olympic Qualification points on the way to 2024 Paris. 1 July 2024 marks the closure of the Paralympic Qualification period towards the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. World Triathlon offers financial assistance to Para triathletes to maximise their potential to be on the blue carpet in Paris and beyond.  Successful applicants can use the grant to participate in qualifying events, recovery services, or purchasing equipment.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 15 MARCH 2024 (CET).
Online application form
For more information, please click HERE or contact Eric Angstadt, Sr. Manager Para triathlon, at eric.angstadt@triathlon.org.

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS EDUCATION

Algeria hosts community technical officials & event organisers courses back-to-back

The new host of a Development Regional Cup in Africa, Algeria, organised two World Triathlon Technical Officials and Event Organisers Community Seminars in early February in the capital city of Algiers. Mahdi Mnif, World Triathlon Technical Official Facilitator, conducted both courses back-to-back. The Fédération Algérienne de Triathlon fully funded both courses to create a solid foundation for hosting a fair and safe 2024 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup Algiers on 11 May.

European Technical Official Award of the Year
Raquel Gonzalez Cascales (ESP) and our colleague Alpar Nagy (HUN) received the Female and the Male Technical Official of the Year Award in 2023 at the European Triathlon Gala on 17 February in Prague. Congratulations to All.

Fair, Safe and FUN - Technical Officials shine in Italy
Italy hosted the first World Triathlon Winter Championships in 2024. The members of the Technical Officials Team and the LOC of the 2024 World Triathlon Winter Championships Pragelato-Sestriere conducted a world class, safe and fair event. A successful a TO and event organiser requires long working hours with a focus on ensuring a safe and fair event, with a certain required level of FUN!
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!
Can any LOC or/and Technical Official Team top that in 2024? 

World Triathlon Education & Knowledge Hub: We are 10,000!
The World Triathlon Education & Knowledge Hub hit 10,000 users in February! Check out the latest developments and information on courses for officials, coaches, mentors and athletes alike

Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev won the first-ever T100 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and live up to his billing as the race’s top-ranked athlete by starting the new T100 Triathlon World Tour in commanding fashion and securing the maximum 35 points on offer. On the women’s race, Great Britain’s India Lee won the Miami T100 at Clash Endurance Miami to give her victory in the first ever women’s T100 and the maximum 35 points.

Men’s race
In the warm water of the Homestead-Miami Speedway, it was a swift 2km swim with current 70.3 world champ and T100 Hotshot Rico Bogen leading out the water, while Ironman world champ Sam Laidlow and double-Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee were close behind.

Once on the bike, it was all about the charge of France’s Mathis Margirier who quickly made up eight places to take the lead. Brownlee was the only athlete to go with him and the pair flew around the Homestead-Miami Speedway, distancing the rest of the field. As the 22-laps and 80km wore on, only the pure bike power of Magnus Ditlev and Sam Laidlow were eventually able to bridge the gap. That quartet came into T2 with over two minutes in hand to the rest of the field.

From there, Brownlee took pole position at the start of the 18km run. The Brit went out of transition at an awesome pace, echoing both the dominating performances of years past and the story from Ibiza in 2023 where his lead evaporated.

Behind, the fastest mover was Magnus Ditlev, the tall Dane seemingly impervious to the heat as he hunted the lead. As the run progressed, it was a sad sight for triathlon nostalgists as double Olympic champion Brownlee slowed under the punishing conditions.

The inexorable advance of Ditlev saw him catch and soon shake Brownlee to lead into the closing phase of the race. Meanwhile American favourite Sam Long, eighth off the bike, was also storming through the field, showing no sign of fatigue under the sun. Long found his way into the podium placings and then overtook Margirier to take second.

No one could stop Ditlev, however, the Dane’s class and 100km specific training paying off as he wrote his way into the history books as the first-ever T100 winner, taking a full 35 points. Long claimed second and 28 points and Margirier third and 25. Youri Keulen finished fourth for 22 points and Brownlee managed his efforts to complete the top five and scoring 20 points.

“It feels amazing,” said Ditlev. “It’s a great start to the season. I’m super stoked to take my first T100 win and the first win of the season as well.”

Asked to explain how he’d coped with the extreme heat to reel in a slowing Alistair Brownlee from Great Britain and France’s Mathis Margirier, he said: “When I arrived here in Miami I felt really bad throughout the week training here. So we made a super conservative plan for heat and cooling and so on.” Talking about how he coped with the heat during the race, he said: “I was right below the limit. Towards the end of the run I was able to reel in Alistair [Brownlee] and push a bit more. I was super controlled and just below the limit, to deal with the heat.”

Women’s race

The Homestead-Miami Speedway provided a stunning venue for the first-ever T100 event and there was no surprise when it came to the leader of the 2km swim with ‘The Mermaid’ Lucy Charles-Barclay immediately taking to the front. On her feet was fellow Lucy and fellow Brit, Lucy Buckingham, who’d been struck down by illness in the days before the event and initially looked unlikely to start when race day dawned.

Once out of the water, Lucy and Lucy continued to press their advantage in an attempt to stay away from the rest of the women. Their 52-second lead was slowly eroded to 30 seconds by halfway through the 80km course, Britain showing strength in depth with India Lee the main aggressor in the hunt. Holly Lawrence initially held onto Lee before being distanced.

As Lee closed the gap to Buckingham, Charles-Barclay pushed on at the front to go solo. Despite her valiant attempt, Buckingham’s illness caught up with her as energy ran out and she was forced to retire – per the whiteboard message ‘Pull out Luce’ held by her husband, Mark.

Lee, now in second place, continued to close on her countrywoman and make time on Lawrence, who was eventually absorbed into the chasing group of Kat Matthews, Paula Findlay and Lucy Byram.

By T2, Charles-Barclay and Lee had almost 2:40 on the rest with Charles-Barclay first to eke out a small lead over Lee. Once the chase group hit the run, drama ensued as Kat Matthews was hit with massive cramps and reduced to a walk along with a protracted back-and-forth with her husband on the sidelines.

That put Lawrence in third place, with Findlay and Byram next and 10-time world champ Daniela Ryf in sixth.

With 11.5km to go, Lee bridged back to Charles-Barclay and took the lead, steadily pulling ahead while Lawrence was solidifying her podium position – and a British clean sweep – with a lead of more than a minute on Findlay.

That was the story as the race reached its climax – Lee, a dark horse with the pundits – put together a truly complete performance to become the first ever T100 winner and take the maximum 35 points, a key victory on the way to the inaugural T100 Triathlon World Championship title hunt.

Charles-Barclay came second to score 28 points with Lawrence rounding out that all-Brit podium and earn 25 points. Ever consistent, Findlay took fourth and 22 points while Daniela Ryf proved she’s still a force to be reckoned with, coming fifth and putting 20 points on the board.

“I’m speechless,” said the 35-year old after what is her biggest win in the sport by some distance, beating fellow Brits Lucy Charles-Barclay and Holly Lawrence into second and third places respectively. “It feels like I’m watching myself in a different entity. It’s mad.”

“To be honest I was just looking at my watch and I had my coach’s voice in the back of my head saying ‘don’t go out too hard, it’s better to be steady and consistent than try and just go for it’. So I was going to target, and going to catch Lucy and then I was thinking ‘don’t over think it’.  I went past her and I just thought ‘if you go past her you can’t settle down again’. Just do a hundred steps with a bit more force. So I did that and then settled down again.”

On her storming run, she explained: “Throughout my triathlon career I’ve been frustrated how my run has turned out because it’s been a bit average to be honest. But I know I had it in me to be able to run well. On one-off runs I can run well. So, in my head it was just a matter of time to put it together. Today was the first time that I’ve had a run that I’m actually proud of.”

 

World Triathlon established the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to identify and recognise individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the involvement of women and girls in the sport, at a grassroots level. Lotta Johansson, from the Swedish Triathlon Federation, was awarded the prestigious World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence in 2021 and had had more than 25 years of experience in Triathlon. Lotta has been the driver of recruiting, educating and supporting men and women into leadership roles, within the Swedish Triathlon Federation, as referees, technical officials and technical delegates but also other areas within our sport. She was one of the first women race director in Sweden in the mid-1990s. Lotta also that she built the Technical Official programme in Sweden and continues to develop it as of today.

On 2024 International Women’s Day Lotta Johansson reflects on the honour of receiving the award, how much the sport of triathlon means to her and how she continues to have an impact on the sport worldwide.

WORLD TRIATHLON AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Receiving the World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence year 2021 was an incredible honour for me. It was truly an acknowledgement of my work and commitment to promoting women’s participation and achievement in triathlon. I’m glad I can be a role model.

INVOLVED IN TRIATHLON
Since receiving the award, I have continued to work within the triathlon community in various ways. I have participated in several initiatives to promote gender equality and inclusion in the sport. I have been a Technical Official at 2022 Europe Triathlon Championships Munich and I have together with two others from Sweden certificated to Technical Officials level 2 in Belgrade, Serbia 2023.

WHAT TRIATHLON MEANS TO YOU
Triathlon means a lot to me. It is not just a sport, but a lifestyle that has brought me so much joy, challenges and community. Triathlon is both my hobby and my job. I am employed by the Swedish Triathlon Federation, responsible for administering and helping all business areas; events, Technical Officials, elite, para, age group, young, clubs and athletes. I am always ready to help and support!

ON HAVING AN IMPACT ON TRIATHLON
I continue to have an impact on the sport by being a role model and inspiration for other women and girls who want to get involved in triathlon. I also actively work to create more opportunities and resources for female triathletes at all levels. Throughout my life, I have continued to educate and teach other people, especially women. My mission is to explain the simplicity of Triathlon. Swimwear, bicycle and helmet and running shoes are all that is needed.

MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION
What keeps me motivated is seeing other women and girls step up and succeed in triathlon. I am inspired by their strength, perseverance and passion for the sport. An important role model for me that I got to know through triathlon is Ria Damgren Nilsson. We met through our triathlon club in 1993 and she was my mentor when I became Race Director.

GOALS FOR GENDER BALANCE AND EQUALITY
The Swedish sports system and its culture for community sports is from the ground-based up on strong equality between the genders. And for me, this has always been a natural way of thinking and something that I have in my life.

In my work, I always do my best to lift everyone in all kinds of ways and in all kinds of contexts. For me and for many others that also is working within the sports communities in Sweden, it is a matter that regardless of gender and sport, everyone should have equal conditions to practice the sport they want and to take part in all kinds of events and especially in triathlon.

For me, the team has always been in focus so I want to highlight my fantastic colleagues, in my workplace at the federation in Sweden we are 6 females and 2 males with an experienced and fair leader in Mikael Kjellander, General Secretary. In Sweden Triathlon we work with values; solidarity, regard and engagement.

INSPIRE INCLUSION
This year’s theme, “INSPIRE INCLUSION”, means to me that we strive to include everyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background or ability, in the triathlon community. We actively work to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, heard and respected. I believe we are making a significant impact on the sport by continuously highlighting and supporting different voices and perspectives, contributing to a more diverse and dynamic triathlon culture.

The Swedish Triathlon Federation has actively participated in an Erasmus+ project together with three other organisations in recent years. The aim of the project was to develop a tool to promote gender equality in triathlon. In this project, the Swedish Triathlon Federation played a significant role through board members Ria Damgren Nilsson and Jannike Linné whereupon I have provided them with information. A central part of the project was to conduct a thorough analysis and mapping of the legal, social and cultural factors that affect gender equality in the sport. The results of this analysis showed that the Swedish Triathlon Federation is a mature organisation with a high capacity for gender equality work. The federation received an impressive 82 points out of a possible 100, resulting in the award of a gold medal in recognition of our work. It is important to be humble and recognise that there is still a lot of work to do, but a significant part of the process is about clearly identifying what needs to be done. Going forward, we will discuss and educate other countries and sports on various aspects of this work. Finally, I would like to say I am grateful to be a part of the great triathlon family!

For more information about the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, visit the website.

World Triathlon established the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to identify and recognise individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the involvement of women and girls in the sport, at a grassroots level. Claudia Beristain, an established World Triathlon coach from Mexico, was awarded the World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence in 2016. Claudia Beristain has established pathway opportunities for women in triathlon, to progress and build confidence through skill-based initiatives, before integrating them into mixed training programs.

On the 2024 International Women’s Day, Claudia Beristain shares how passionate she is about sharing triathlon with others, continues to develop and grow the sport through her programs and her desire for inclusivity worldwide.

THE WORLD TRIATHLON WOMEN’S COMMITTEE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Receiving the award of excellence was incredibly motivating. Knowing that all the hard work I’ve put into triathlon was being recognized truly energized me to further pave the way for women in the sport. Continuing my role as a WT facilitator in the Americas and participating in the Korea Facilitator Project, alongside coaching education in my country, has been fulfilling. I’ve also adapted to facilitating online during the pandemic and was honored to be part of the ASICS World Triathlon Team. Currently, I’m engaged with the High Performance Commission in the Mexican Triathlon Federation, managing the Mexican team in various WC and WTCS races for the past two years. Additionally, coaching an age group team in Mexico brings immense satisfaction; coaching, to me, is the best job in the world.

INSPIRE INCLUSION
Last year, collaborating with the team in Mexico to implement the Safesport program was a proud achievement. I firmly believe that fostering an inclusive and safe sporting environment is fundamental to promoting equality and inclusion. My goal is to remain actively involved in this program, offering education, solutions, and support when needed. Engaging in the Body Confident program with WT aligns with my commitment to enhancing coach and athlete education across all aspects of triathlon, not solely focusing on performance.

WHAT IS TRIATHLON
Triathlon isn’t just a sport to me; it’s a way of life, and I’m passionate about sharing its rewards with others. From the friendships to the competition, from the discipline to the camaraderie, triathlon offers invaluable experiences. However, I acknowledge the economic challenges within triathlon and recognize the need for greater diversity and inclusivity. Opening up more opportunities for all countries to excel and addressing the shortage of high-performance female coaches are crucial steps. This not only benefits female elite athletes but also creates pathways for them beyond their competitive careers.

MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION
I draw inspiration from my fellow athletes and coaches, both male and female. Witnessing the dedication of age groupers, recreational athletes, and elite athletes alike inspires me to cultivate an exceptional triathlon environment.

For more information about the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, visit the website.

World Triathlon established the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to identify and recognise individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the involvement of women and girls in the sport, at a grassroots level. in 2022, World Triathlon awarded Nelly Becerra, from the Federación Mexicana de Triatlón, with the Award of Excellence award. Mexico’s Nelly Becerra has been an exceptional role model for all male and female triathletes and has dedicated her career to creating spaces where other women can enter and participate in the sport of triathlon, in a safe, welcoming and fun environment. She has been a leader, covering positions as a technical official, executive member in the federation, has been an elected member of the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, coached male and female triathletes and helped develop women to work in triathlon in managerial roles. Nelly Becerra was presented with the World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence in 2022.

On 2024 International Women’s Day Nelly Becerra shares how she continues to inspire inclusion in the sport of triathlon worldwide.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Receiving this award has reinforced my efforts to introduce more women to our sport, I thank you for your encouragement, and I am honored by your trust in me. I will continue to encourage women to reach their triathlon goals. As we say “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”.

WHAT THE SPORT MEANS TO YOU
Sports to me means representing my Mexican triathlon federation, my love for triathlon. I have been involved for more than 30 years. It’s not just an extracurricular activity, it is my everyday activity and work, it’s where we come together and learn discipline, and patience

CONTINUING TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON TRIATHLON
I have created a programme to involve more women in sports as triathlon, running races and spartan races all around Mexico, the programme is called WomanUp
The WomanUp programme aims to empower women athletes, recognise their role as a reference in society and raise awareness of the need for us all to build a society with equal opportunities.
We have 50 top female sportswomen from all around Mexico representing the values of WomanUp through their sporting activities. With them, it continues to pave the way for women’s sport to finally get the recognition it deserves.

MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION
I have spent the last couple of decades working hard on introducing more women to our sport.
We live in a world where sport was made for men, whether we are competing at the highest level or running a local triathlon, we often feel like something is missing when it comes to getting the best from our bodies, so that is why I created the WomanUp races, so any woman can fit in the triathlon world and feel comfortable to do it.
My two daughters Andrea 32 and Ana 28 keep me motivated because I want them to have better opportunities in sports, they are my true inspiration.

GOALS FOR GENDER BALANCE AND EQUALITY
To create policies for gender equality. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Achieving gender equity requires a collective effort from organisations, governing bodies, sponsors and individuals.
Breaking down barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and challenging gender stereotypes are essential steps towards creating an inclusive and equitable sports industry.

INSPIRE INCLUSION
For me, INSPIRE INCLUSION means that women from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate in our sport. By supporting and amplifying the voices of female triathletes, female coaches, female race directors, female technical officials, etc, so we know how has been their journey to get where they are now and create with their knowledge a programme of mentorship.

For more information about the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, visit the website.

It is with regret that we must announce the cancellation of the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series, Para Cup and Mixed Relay Abu Dhabi, scheduled to take place on Friday, 8 March and Saturday, 9 March, due to severe adverse weather conditions. We do not, at any stage, wish to put our athletes in danger and the forecast adverse weather would have jeopardised the safety of the event. The safety of our athletes is of paramount importance and this decision has not been taken lightly.

The decision, jointly made by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Abu Dhabi Sports Council and World Triathlon, comes after the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority of Abu Dhabi announced that all activities outdoors from Friday, 8 March until Sunday, 10 March, are to be cancelled, due to the severe rainfall and thunderstorms forecasted.

The Local Organising Committee, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and World Triathlon have tried all possible avenues to host at least the events scheduled for Friday, March 8, in a secured and closed venue, but unfortunately this option was also not possible given the need of the region to get ready for the adverse weather circumstances.

World Triathlon established the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to identify and recognise individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the involvement of women and girls in the sport, at a grassroots level. In 2023 the World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence was awarded to Jude Jamjoom of Saudi Arabia at the Hall of Fame Gala Event in Pontevedra, Spain.

On the 2024 International Women’s Day, Jude Jamjoom reflects on what receiving the prestigious World Triathlon award means to her, shares how she continues to strive to have an impact on the sport of triathlon and always inspires inclusion.

THE WORLD TRIATHLON WOMEN’S COMMITTEE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Receiving the World Triathlon Award of Excellence in 2023 was an immense honor for Jeddah Tribe and our entire team here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It served as a powerful recognition of our collective dedication and tireless efforts to advance the sport of triathlon in our local community. This prestigious accolade meant a great deal to us, affirming our commitment and inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in triathlon here in Jeddah.

FOCUS ON TRIATHLON
Since receiving the award, Jeddah Tribe and our team have been resolute in our mission to promote and develop triathlon in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We have placed a particular focus on nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the sport among kids in our local community. Through various initiatives, such as organizing youth-focused triathlon programs and training camps, we have been providing opportunities for kids in Jeddah to discover and develop their skills in triathlon.

Triathlon holds immense significance for Jeddah Tribe and our team here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is more than just a sport; it is a way of life and a source of inspiration. Triathlon has taught us the values of discipline, perseverance, and determination. It has forged a strong sense of community and has become an integral part of our identity here in Jeddah. The sport of triathlon has the power to transform lives, and we are deeply passionate about sharing that transformative experience with others in our local community.

ASPIRATIONS AND HAVING AN IMPACT
As a team, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the sport of triathlon here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We actively work to create opportunities for athletes of all ages and backgrounds in our local community to participate, excel, and grow in the sport. By organizing events, training programs, and community outreach initiatives specifically tailored to Jeddah, we aim to inspire and empower individuals to embrace triathlon and achieve their full potential right here in our city.

MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION
We are deeply motivated by the belief that the work we consistently do today at Jeddah Tribe will one day bridge the competition gap between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world in triathlon. We are inspired by the incredible potential we see in our local community, and we are committed to nurturing and developing that potential. Our ultimate goal is to build the next generation of Saudi Olympians and champions in triathlon. We are driven by the transformative power of the sport and the positive impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole and we wholeheartedly believe we are playing an integral part in shaping the future of triathlon in Saudi Arabia.

GOALS FOR GENDER BALANCE AND EQUITY
Our goals for gender balance and equality in triathlon in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia are centered on ensuring that every athlete, regardless of gender, is provided with equal opportunities, recognition, and support. We strive for gender parity in participation, representation, and leadership roles within the triathlon community. Our initiatives include empowering women through targeted programs, advocating for equal prize money, promoting female role models, and actively working to eliminate any biases or barriers that hinder women’s progress in the sport. We are committed to creating a triathlon community in Jeddah that is free from sexism, ageism, racism and ableism - and where every individual is treated with respect and given an equal chance to succeed.

INSPIRE INCLUSION
The theme of INSPIRE INCLUSION resonates deeply with us. It means creating a triathlon community in our city that embraces diversity, and where every individual feels welcomed, supported, and celebrated while honoring and respecting customs, traditions, and norms. At Jeddah Tribe, we strongly believe that inclusivity starts with understanding and appreciating the unique backgrounds and perspectives of individuals.to foster an environment that celebrates differences, promotes equal opportunities and values the unique contributions of every athlete in Jeddah.

For more information about the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, visit the website.

The first World Triathlon Para racing of 2024 heads to the UAE on Friday 8 March, with the Para Cup Abu Dhabi getting the ball rolling on a huge Paralympic year on the blue carpet.

Past the halfway stage of the qualification period and with precious points once again on the line, the first of eight Para Cups for 2024 will see the athletes hitting the famous Yas Marina F1 circuit for the 20km bike and 5km run portions, all off the back of a 750m swim. With the majority of US athletes focussed on the auto-qualification event in Miami, athletes on the cusp of the all-important top-9 qualification spots will be wanting to maximise their opportunity this weekend.

It will be the second edition of the event here in Abu Dhabi, but the first appearance for Frenchman Jules Ribstein. The reigning PTS2 World Champion will be a hot favourite for Paralympic gold at the start of September, and with his starting berth all but guaranteed, this will be an excellent opportunity to test his big-race readiness against Spain’s Lionel Morales and Paris Test Event runner-up Geoffrey Wersy. The women’s race will see Rakel Mateo Uriarte go head to head with India’s Shashruti Vinayak Nakade.

In the men’s PTS3, Para Series and Cup podium regular Michael Herter (FRA) leads the line, the experienced head of last year’s Long Beach winner Kini Carrasco (ESP) and Britain’s Henry Urand among his medal rivals this weekend, Elise Marc the sole PTS3 female.

After finishing just off the World Championships podium in Pontevedra last year, Nil Riudavets Victory (ESP) will be hungry for a medal, South Africa’s Mhlengi Gwala chases the points that can help him realise his Paris dreams along with British Champion Finley Jakes, currently ranked 10th. Marta Frances Gomez and Carmen Gonzalez Sanchez will continue their battle for a women’s PTS4 Paris start for Spain, Israel’s Atalia Nevo also seeking a result that could launch her into contention.

A 14-deep men’s PTS5 start list shows the depth of the class, Hungary’s Bence Mocsari among the favourites, Antoine Besse on the cusp of confirming his place at a home Games currently at 9th in the rankings, India’s Atharv Patil and Binu Gnanadhasan make their World Triathlon debuts. Ukraine’s Alisa Kolpakchy narrowly missed out on the podium last year and will have her work cut out to hold off Britain’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Champion Lauren Steadman, on a mission to find the form to successfully defend her title in Paris.

The hotly contested women’s PTVI will be led out by Annouck Curzillat B1, bronze medallist at both Tokyo 2020 and the 2023 world championships, eager to keep the champion in Pontevedra Anja Renner B3 and the upcoming Irish twins Chloe and Judith Maccombe at bay for the season opener. The men’s race sees Spain’s former World Champion Héctor Catalá Laparra B2 take on the reigning European Champion Antoine Perel B1 of France.

Heading up the women’s PTWC race will be another Euro champion, Eva María Moral Pedrero H1, taking on Taranto Para Cup winner Melissa Nicholls H1 (GBR) and Margret Ijdema H1 (NED), while the winner here last year, Florian Brungraber H2 will defend his title against the experienced Giovanni Achenza H1 and Tunisia’s Fathi Zwoukhi H1.

Watch the action on TriathlonLive.tv from 11am local time (GMT +4).

World Triathlon and the Spanish Federation of Triathlon are pleased to announce that the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Finals is entering the final preparations and, after the official dates of the event have been revealed, the exact location of the courses has now been confirmed: Torremolinos-Andalucia. Only 12 km away from Malaga and in a perfect location, the city will host not only all the competitions, but also all the other events: expo, Parade of Nations, race package collection and athlete services.

The city of Torremolinos, located just ten minutes from Malaga and its airport, and with a very large hotel capacity, will therefore host the last stop of the World Triathlon Championship Series in 2024, being a perfect set-up for the delivery of the sporting competition during the four days of the event.

Torremolinos will join the select club of hosts of the Championship Finals, which in previous years has included Pontevedra, Abu Dhabi, Edmonton, Lausanne and Gold Coast, to name a few, as hosts of the calendar’s most important triathlon event.

Torremolinos would not be possible without the support of the main sponsors of the event, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Government of Andalucia and the Provincial Council of Malaga, as well as the Torremolinos City Council.

The dates of the event, also confirmed

Racing begins on Thursday, 17 October with the men’s and women’s U23 world titles at stake, as well as the first Age Group event: the Sprint Triathlon World Championship.

On Friday, 18 October, the second day of the Championship Finals, the Para triathlon World Championships will take place featuring the best Para triathlon athletes on the planet, alongside the men’s and women’s Junior World Championships.

The final fireworks are planned for the weekend, with the title-deciding women’s World Triathlon Championship Finals on Saturday, 19 October, in addition to the Standard triathlon and Aquabike standard Age Group World Championships. On the last day of competition, 20 October, in addition to the spectacular Junior and U23 Mixed Relay World Championships, the Para triathlon Mixed Relay and the Mixed Relay Age Group World Championships, we will crown the Elite Men’s 2024 World Triathlon Champion.

The provisional schedules of all competitions and the detailed course maps for each category will be announced in the coming weeks, as well as the details of the opening of the Age Group races registrations.

Ukrainian Para Triathletes Embrace ‘Stronger Together’ Spirit in Joint Training Camp with Japanese National Team in Okinawa

The Ukrainian Para triathlon team has joined the Japanese national team for a training camp in Okinawa, Japan, from February 25 to March 5. Faced with challenges in training due to the current situation in Ukraine, the athletes sought a training environment in Japan’s warm and welcoming atmosphere to prepare for upcoming competitions.

“I’m very pleased to be here because people are so kind and are building good relationships with us,” expressed Alisa Korpakchy, one of the Ukrainian Para triathletes. “It’s not usual for us these days, so it’s very pleasant for us.”

Amidst the turmoil back home, finding a stable training environment in Ukraine has not been easy. Korpakchy shared, “It was difficult to adjust mentally at the beginning, and then physically, it was challenging to rest after training. I felt empty in the end under the circumstances. When you are at home, we know safety isn’t guaranteed, but it’s easier to maintain your mental health with people like your family or friends. When you are abroad for a training camp or competition, you are always checking the news, and you are nervous about your people, and it’s very emotionally tough.”

This joint training camp was made possible through the initiative of ‘Sport For Tomorrow,’ a program supported by the Japanese government to promote international cooperation and development through sports. The program aims to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster global exchange and cooperation through sports, building on the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. In this project, the Japan Sports Agency provides necessary support to dedicated National Federations (NFs) working to establish training environments in Japan for overseas athletes unable to secure sufficient training environments in their own countries due to domestic situations such as conflicts.

The addition of the Ukrainian team, including two Paralympians Alisa Korpakchy (PTS5) and Vita Oleksiuk (PTVI2), a guide Nataliia Matsupko, and a coach Roman Korol, to the squad also had a positive impact on the Japanese national team, including Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games silver medalist Hideki Uda (PTS4) and bronze medalist Satoru Yoneoka (PTVI1).

Satoru Yoneoka said, “I understand they usually train under tough training environments. Compared to them, we are feeling how blessed we are in such a fulfilling training environment. I’m inspired by how they train single-mindedly.”

His teammate Hideki Uda, added, “I respect only to see that they’re training in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces. Just seeing athletes from different countries swimming and running next to us gives inspiration and motivation. I really appreciate they joined, and it’s a great opportunity for us.”

During their stay in Okinawa, the Ukrainian athletes embraced the opportunity to connect with the local community by visiting a nearby public school, Motobu Elementary School, alongside their Japanese Para triathletes. Together, they engaged with 160 students, offering insights into para triathlon and sharing their experiences in the sport. The visit provided a unique chance for the students to delve into the world of para sports and gain an understanding of the challenges faced by athletes from diverse backgrounds. Welcoming both their national team athletes and those from Ukraine, the children listened attentively to their stories and eagerly embraced the excitement of Paralympic sports.

“It was great to learn that there’s a sport that everyone, including people with disabilities, can enjoy and compete in,” remarked one of the school children after the event, underscoring the profound impact of the cultural exchange.

A lot of students tried to communicate directly with the foreign national team members, employing English language, hand gestures, and even AI translation tools. Some had prepared message boards with warm greetings such as “Welcome to Motobu Elementary School.”

Reflecting on her experience, a local student shared, “Despite speaking different languages, we found ways to communicate through gestures, expressing our emotions, and utilizing automatic translation. I am grateful that they visited us, especially given the current situation in their country.”

“I felt their smiles and kindness,” shared Vita Oleksiuk, a blind triathlete. “It’s a strange feeling, considering Japan is so far from Ukraine, but receiving such immense support makes me feel much closer.” She added that the local children seemed to share a similar sentiment, while Alisa Korpakchy couldn’t hold back tears upon seeing the message board written in Ukrainian.

With their sights set on upcoming races in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Devonport (AUS), the Ukrainian Para triathletes are focused on securing their spots for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 this summer. Despite the challenges they face, they remain determined to excel on the international stage and inspire others through their resilience and dedication.

“I feel like this is a significant birthday present for me,” remarked Vita Oleksiuk, who celebrated her 29th birthday on March 1 in Okinawa. “This camp holds a special place in my heart.”

Words by Tatsuo Ogura, Tokyo 2020 Press manager / currently related with JTU.

On Friday afternoon, 4pm local time, on the edge of the Yas Marina F1 circuit, 55 women will launch themselves and their 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series campaigns, as the horn sounds on this year’s curtain-raiser - WTCS Abu Dhabi.

Among them, all but two of the top 20 who finished that breathless season in Pontevedra last October, where Britain’s Beth Potter secured her first world title, and where Cassandre Beaugrand and Emma Lombardi became the first French women to finish on the Series podium.

But the stories from last year didn’t begin and end with the superb displays and remarkable consistency of that top three. Injury kept Flora Duffy from defending her title, the woman that pushed her all the way in 2022 - Georgia Taylor-Brown - was also a frustrated spectator for a big chunk of the year. There were debut wins and first-time podiums, battles for Olympic rankings and start berths, plus a huge Paris Test Event across a year that had it all on the line.

Now it is showtime again. The biggest names on the planet are ready to go shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time since Pontevedra’s Championship Finals and see just where their form and fitness are at the beginning of this massive Olympic year. Clear the schedules, polish the TV and buckle up, it’s business time once again.

The WTCS Abu Dhabi sprint-distance course is everything that a F1 track should offer – fast and hot, rolling hills and huge potential for some lightning split times. The 750m swim transitions to a 5-lap bike of 20km in total, then it’s a rapid two-lap 5km run to the tape. Watch it all play out on TriathlonLive.tv.

From debut gold to undisputed world champion in six moves

Potter laid down the gold standard here last year, pulling away from teammate Sophie Coldwell over the closing stages to record her first Series win. It was a feeling she clearly revelled in, going on to clock four wins in total last campaign on route to becoming World Champion.

All eyes will be on her once more, and it will be fascinating to see how the indefatigable Potter copes with starting the year with a title of a different kind: favourite. It was one that Georgia Taylor-Brown wore here 12 months ago, only for the occasion to take over, the Brit finishing outside the top 10 for the first time since 2018.

US team deep with talent and Olympic potential

For the US, five women start. Taylor Spivey, the bronze finisher here last year, leads the line hungry for more medals and to show she should be the selectors’ pick for Paris. Summer Rappaport returns from injury after a horrific bike crash in the lead up to last year’s Championship Finals wanting to do likewise.

Taylor Knibb is the only US woman confirmed for Paris, Kirsten Kasper and Rio 2016 Champion Gwen Jorgensen complete a powerful fivesome, all with something to prove.

Two young athletes making waves in 2023 were Germany’s Lisa Tertsch and Jeanne Lehair, 6th and 8th respectively overall in the rankings. Only Potter and Beaugrand have amassed more second-period Olympic Qualification points than European Champion Lehair, who seized every opportunity since switching to Luxembourg with both hands, and both know they have the run speed to podium.

Experienced legends alongside wide-eyed hopefuls

There are stories to be written all the way down the 55 names in Abu Dhabi, not least Australia’s Sophie Linn who delivered a supreme win at the Napier World Cup. Having hit her first Series start line just two seasons ago, the versatile Arena Games Series Champion of 2023 would love to build on her brilliant form and break into the top 10.

Bianca Seregni is Italy’s high-flyer and an absolute torpedo in the water, likely to be out front along with the likes of Rappaport and Brazil’s Vittoria Lopes, and it will be fascinating to see where Maya Kingma’s form lies after an illness and injury-hit couple of campaigns since the glittering WTCS Leeds win in 2021 that cemented her place at triathlon’s top table.

Germany’s Laura Lindemann makes her seventh start in Abu Dhabi, though sixth place in 2018 remains her only top 10 result here, Swiss duo Julie Derron and Cathia Schar are always ones to keep an eye on especially on the bike, while the likes of Alberte Kjaer Pedersen (DEN), Nicole Van Der Kaay (NZL) and Jolien Vermeylen (BEL) all have the power to have a big impact on the pointy end of any race.

WTCS Abu Dhabi
8 March, 4pm local time
Full start lists here
Watch: TriathlonLive.tv

The World Triathlon Championship Series is back with a bang this weekend, and in the familiar surrounds of the famous Yas Marina F1 track, where a fascinating, fast and furious season opener awaits: WTCS Abu Dhabi.

October’s decisive Pontevedra Championship Finals may feel like a lifetime ago, but the memory of victory will still be fresh for defending champion Dorian Coninx. Of course the Frenchman begins his title defence on Friday wearing the precious number one, but he will also be all too aware of those around him wanting that crown.

As a gauge of how important the race is, only Pierre Le Corre is missing from the top ten men at the end of the last campaign. Indeed only he and Jelle Geens don’t start from 2023’s entire top 20, with the Belgian contender having recently had his first child.

So if there was ever a time to send out a warning message to the best in the world and establish some major credentials for a big 2024, then this is certainly it. As always, you can watch full coverage on TriathlonLive.tv.

Six-stop Series brings risk and reward

The 750m Marina swim transitions down the home straight of the track and then it is out onto the 5 x 4km lap fast and rolling bike course before a 2 x 2.5km lap run to the tape. Last year, Britain’s Alex Yee hoovered that all up in 52m53. Can he produce that early season form again?

It was Coninx following teammate Vincent Luis out of the water 12 months ago, then the two main bike groups came together at the halfway mark and with five minutes to go on the run, Yee broke up the field with a decisive surge up the final hill.

After Coninx’s supreme season management last time around, will anyone be prepared to roll the dice on day one of this Olympic year and force an early breakaway that could keep the likes of Yee at bay for as long as possible?

Old rivalries ready to resurface

Once again the men’s field has quite a split between the top swimmers and top runners and if the former keep the break this time around, the likes of Hayden Wilde, Kristian Blummenfelt and Yee could be put under significant pressure early on.

Wilde delivered some excellent swims across 2023 but began this year with a poor 750m in the ocean at the Napier World Cup, emerging third from last just as he did here 12 months ago. A flat tyre left his race as no more than a hit-out on the run, but the world number two now knows he can push Yee all the way over 5km, and that is just what the fans will be hoping to see on Friday.

Vasco Vilaca also repeatedly proved his run ability in 2023 and was only shaken off over the very closing stages by Yee last year here and followed over the line by two more major contenders this weekend in Manoel Messias and that man Luis. The two-time World Champion will want to make the most of this opportunity to shine for the French selectors with Le Corre not featuring.

Like Luis, one of the most balanced athletes across all three segments is Australia’s Matthew Hauser, winner for the first time in Montreal last year, and similar can be said for Kenji Nener, though Japan’s number one is still chasing his first Series podium.

Eyes on another prize: Paris 2024 Olympic start berths

Hungary will look to defend their third men’s slot at the Paris Olympics. They have Csongor Lehmann (8th), Bence Bicsak (24th) and Mark Devay (26th) inside the top-30, and Gabor Faldum (33rd) close behind. All four start in Abu Dhabi.

Spain are also pushing for a third men’s slot. Antonio Serrat Seoane (14th) and Roberto Sanchez Mantecon (20th) should be safe, plus one of Sergio Baxter Cabrera (32nd), David Castro Fajardo (35th) and Alberto Gonzalez Garcia (36th) would need to make it inside the top-30. Of those three, only Castro will race in Abu Dhabi, along with rising star David Cantero del Campo.

The German squad again looks potent, Tim Hellwig and Lass Luhrs leading the way but U23 World Champion Simon Henseleit showing he is capable of fireworks last year.

For the USA Matthew McElroy and Seth Rider are the only two American men starting, the former having scored his best WTCS result in four years here in 2023 and another man eager to stamp his place on the Paris pontoon.

Men’s WTCS Abu Dhabi
8 March, 6PM
Full start list here
Watch on TriathlonLive.tv

Starting on 8th March 2024 in the heat of Abu Dhabi, the 16th season of World Triathlon top-tier action since the dawn of the Series format promises to deliver even more world-class action, high drama and big-name excitement along the road to crowning our 2024 World Triathlon Champions.

Five World Triathlon Championship Series races plus October’s Championship Finals will decide who comes out on top of the world in 2024, when the province of Malaga, Spain, hosts this year’s grand finale.

In 2023, it was Britain’s Beth Potter and Dorian Coninx of France who reigned supreme for the first time and left Pontevedra with the big prize. Across the 2024 campaign, with the addition of an almighty Olympic Games challenge right in the middle of the year for many of the likely title challengers, the door could be open for more fireworks and new faces on the end-of-year podiums.

8-9 MARCH – WTCS ABU DHABI

For the seventh year since 2015, the WTCS curtain will go up and the first blue carpet of the year laid down in Abu Dhabi. And it is back once again to the Yas Marina F1 circuit, where a fast, rolling sprint-distance course will see the athletes thrashing it out to test their off-season training and early-season fitness in both individual and Mixed Relay action.

Rewind 12 months and it was here that a first ever Series win for Beth Potter set her on course for a huge, title-winning season. It was further back in 2019 that compatriot Alex Yee scored his first ever WTCS podium with silver aged just 22 years-old, and he scooped the first of his three wins last year on Yas Island. Expect fast racing and a highly unpredictable podium as the first points of 2024 go on the board in the UAE, and where the likes of Vincent Luis, Gwen Jorgensen and Leonie Periault will be eager to start their years in style as they chase a place in Paris.

11 May – WTCS YOKOHAMA

The rain poured down on the athletes in 2023, a familiar sight for WTCS Yokohama over the years and one that the athletes always respond to, with gutsy performances the norm over the Olympic-distance course. Part of the very first Series way back in 2009 when the greats Lisa Norden and Jan Frodeno took the honours, it was Sophie Coldwell (GBR) and Hayden Wilde (NZL) who came through last year with two comprehensive wins.

A two-lap swim in Yokohama Bay, nine-lap bike and four-lap run await. Fast and flat, it was a scorching 28m50s time for the 10km finale from Alex Yee that saw him win two years ago, and a sub-29 minute target will be on many minds at the first full-distance challenge ahead of Paris 2024.

25 May – WTCS CAGLIARI

The final action of the Olympic Qualification Period is sure to bring the heat to Sardinia and the third WTCS Cagliari since the venue was added to the circuit in 2022. While there will be some big names on the cusp of a Paris berth looking to seize one last opportunity to impress the selection committees, there will be others simply seeking the security of a confidence-boosting display before their Olympic adventure.

Among the latter, Jeanne Lehair was motoring here in 2023 along with Cassandre Beaugrand, while Georgia Taylor-Brown would certainly want a third straight win to help assure her place on the GB team after an injury-hit campaign last year. Alex Yee ran 28m31s with Wilde just four seconds slower over the 10km, but it is the long, shallow water of the beach start that can cause issues early on, and the deceptively tough, rolling bike and run has done for plenty, last year’s race littered with big-name DNFs.

13-14 July – WTCS HAMBURG

Mid-July sees the long-running favourite WTCS Hamburg return in the form of a sprint-distance race and the Mixed Relay World Championships. Among the dependable ingredients that add to the magic are an electric atmosphere, daunting tunnel finish to the swim and Laura Lindemann featuring in the top 10. The German star has five podiums in nine races, excluding last year’s Mixed Relay world title, while French no.1 Beaugrand has two golds and a silver from her last four Hamburg appearances.

Wilde will have happy memories of the city after scoring his first win over Yee here in 2023, but with the Olympics just two weeks away, it looks likely there will be opportunities for some new faces to score podiums and points that could help propel them into the world championship race with two events to go. It’s a tight and intense circuit that requires 100% concentration to succeed here.

14 September – WTCS MONTREAL

It was a first Series win for Australia’s Matthew Hauser in Montreal last year, and a second podium for Brazil’s Manoel Messias, while Katie Zaferes (USA) was back in the WTCS top five for the first time since 2021. This year the action heads to the beautiful Parc Jean Drapeau, where the home of Canadian F1 – the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit – awaits the athletes for individual Sprint and Mixed Relay formats.

Set on Notre Dame Island, the race will pack a fast and flat bike and run off the 750m swim, and the last chance to secure precious points ahead of the all-important Championship Finals. Expect plenty of returning Olympians back to test themselves and looking to set up a blockbuster finale to the 2024 season.

19 & 20 October – CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS MALAGA

That blockbuster finish will come over two days in the Spanish province of Malaga, with the women going out on the Saturday and the men on the Sunday in search of the world titles. As Dorian Coninx proved in 2023 and Leo Bergere in 2022, the extra points available at the Finals can be the decisive factor, both athletes securing the world championships with their only wins of those seasons, so get ready for more edge-of-the-seat action in Spain.

The promise of an original course, huge crowds and the anticipation and tension that come hand-in-hand with the Finals make for an intoxicating prospect to wrap up the WTCS action in 2024. Will the French continue their domination of the men’s competition? Will there be another brand-new women’s champion spraying the champagne at the close of the year?

Follow all the action throughout 2024 on TriathlonLive.tv and across World Triathlon social channels to stay close to the action.

A packed calendar of Para triathlon racing will get underway this weekend with the first World Triathlon Para Cup of the season. While many will already be gearing up for the Paralympic Games in Paris, there will be plenty of Para triathlon action to track in the coming months.

8 March – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP ABU DHABI
As was the case in 2023, Abu Dhabi will host the first World Para Cup of the season. Look for the likes of Florian Brungraber H2 (AUT, PTWC) to match his victory from last year’s event as he attempts to set an early marker ahead of the Paralympics in September. Eva María Moral Pedrero H1 (ESP, PTWC) will be another defending gold medallist from the 2023 edition to keep tabs on.

15 March – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA SERIES DEVONPORT
A week later, the World Triathlon Para Series will spark into life. Devonport (AUS) returns after hosting a stop in both 2023 and 2020, and the pressure will be on the home team.
Jack Howell (AUS, PTS5) and David Bryant (AUS, PTS5) will likely carry a lot of the men’s hopes for the Australian contingent in Devonport. Last year, they delivered a barnstorming clash in which Bryant came out victorious. At the recent Oceania Para-triathlon Championships, though, Howell took the win. The battle of the Australians could therefore light up the first round of the World Para Series.

21 April – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP YENISEHIR
The World Para Cup action will then return in Yenisehir (TUR). It will be the first occasion in which the Turkish city has hosted a Para triathlon event at the world level. After successfully welcoming Europe Cup races, it will no doubt deliver another exciting stop on the Para Cup circuit.

11 May – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA SERIES YOKOHAMA
Yokohama will represent the first instance of the 2024 campaign in which the World Para Series shares the stage with the World Triathlon Championship Series. Among the talents likely to start, Jumpei Kimura (JPN, PTWC) could be one to produce some fireworks in Yokohama. Last season, he powered to victory at the same race with a spellbinding performance.

A quartet of World Para Cups will then carry the season through May and June with stops in Samarkand (UZB), Vigo (ESP), Taranto (ITA) and Besancon (FRA).

18 MAY – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP SAMARKAND
Samarkand will be a new stop for the world’s best Para triathletes, site of the Asia Para triathlon Championships in 2023. Saidakbar Goziev (UZB, PTS2) struck gold on his international debut in there last season and could therefore be primed for a big performance when the Para Cup arrives later this year.

1 June – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP VIGO
Vigo is another new location on the World Para Cup circuit. Located in the northwest of Spain, close to Pontevedra, the host of the 2023 World Triathlon Para Championships, it is also home to one of the sport’s all-time greats: PTVI Paralympic Champion and one of the favourites for another gold in Paris, Susana Rodriguez B1.

8 June – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP TARANTO
Taranto made its debut as a World Para Cup in 2023. With the reigning women’s world champion in the women’s PTVI class, Francesca Tarantello B3, hailing from Italy, Taranto could well see a home world champion grace the start line.

15 June – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP BESANCON
Whereas Vigo and Taranto are relatively new events to the calendar, Besancon is a very well-established stop on the circuit. A dazzling array of French talents, led by world champion Alexis Hanquinquant (PTS4), will no doubt provide the spectacle once again as France gets ready to host the world’s top athletes.

22 June – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA SERIES SWANSEA
A week later, the World Para Series will return with stops in Swansea (GBR) and Montreal (CAN). The two events will represent the final races of the Paralympic qualification window. As such, several last-ditch qualification attempts can be expected. Britain’s defending Paralympic champion, Lauren Steadman (PTS5) will likely be among the names to watch in Swansea. However, at last year’s World Para-triathlon Championships Steadman had to settle for bronze behind her compatriot Claire Cashmore, who claimed the silver medal, and the imperious Grace Norman (USA).

29 June – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA SERIES MONTREAL
The Paralympic qualification cycle reaches its climax in Montreal, and it was here Maurits Morsink (NED) stormed to a dramatic victory in the PTS2 race last year as he overhauled Mohamed Lahna (USA). Further tense finishes could be on the agenda as the final points are awarded that will dictate who is able to stamp their ticket to Paris.

13 July – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP TATA
Thereafter, with Paralympic qualification decided, a new Para Cup will take place in Tata (HUN). As with Yenisehir, Samarkand and Vigo, the Tata event will represent an exciting new chapter in the growth of para-triathlon.

12/13 October – WORLD TRIATHLON PARA CUP ALHANDRA
Finally, the World Para Cup in Alhandra (POR) will then represent the only world-level race between the racing in Paris and the World Para-triathlon Championships in Malaga (ESP).

A busy season of Para triathlon racing therefore awaits. Follow the action throughout 2024 on TriathlonLive.tv and across World Triathlon social channels.

Olympic years are different. Having crept towards the shining moment with painstakingly small steps over the course of years, all of a sudden everything moves at once.

For all stakeholders of sport, from fans to organisers to those in the media, the sight of the Olympic Games on the horizon is enough to set pulses racing. For the athletes, the effects are even greater still. Everything is brighter, faster, more intense, and the final steps to the Olympics become a blur.

Yet no two athletes’ journeys to the Games are alike. As such, World Triathlon is happy to unveil the opening instalment of the Paths to Paris series in which we trace the roads taken by some of the best triathletes in the world.

Australia’s triathlon stars back on the rise

Today, we start with an athlete more than capable of winning Olympic gold this summer. He knows it. His rivals know it. Crucially, his country knows it too.

When Matthew Hauser (AUS) steps onto the pontoon at the Paris Olympic Games, then, he will do so with the eyes of an expectant home audience upon him.

“I’ve had a couple of bike crashes,” said Hauser, when asked how his training has been. “I had a delayed concussion and a week or two off training which wasn’t fun. It isn’t all smooth sailing but if it was it would be boring.”

Thus far, his path to Paris has been anything but boring.

COVID derails Test Event plans

After storming to a maiden WTCS win last summer in a performance that put his name on the lips of the entire triathlon community, Hauser was sidetracked by a bout of COVID-19 that forced him out of the Paris Test Event. He did not simply lose out on a chance to scope the Olympic course. He also missed the first opportunity to qualify for the Australian Olympic team.

“Obviously I would have loved to have been in that race in Paris. With Alex (Yee) having such an amazing performance it was definitely tough to sit in my hotel room and watch the livestream.”

“It wasn’t just a case of being sick. I couldn’t get out of bed which made it a little easier to swallow.”

Over the subsequent weeks, his recovery proved tougher than anticipated. At times, he struggled with his breathing, particularly when exerting himself. The second Olympic selection race, though, was around the corner at the WTCS Final in Pontevedra.

“Pontevedra was a bit of a scramble,” admitted Hauser. “But it kind of made me have that killer mentality, where there’s no room for error. I had to nail this race and nail every bit of it to get the qualification standard, which was a top-8.”

He got out to a great start as he led the field out of the water. The second test came on the bike.

“We worked super well on the bike in the front pack. The French were just driving it and I was trying to help where I could. Marten Van Riel was pushing it to the point where he was almost dropping all of us.”

In the end, Hauser did enough to finish 8th and book his place on the team.

“I remember crossing the line and breaking down in tears with my coach. We kind of embraced with a hug and it was a really special moment. Despite all the ups and downs in the year we still managed to tick our major goal of Olympic selection.”

The pieces of the puzzle come together

Now able to look ahead to Paris, Hauser took note of how the race panned out in Pontevedra. The front pack managed to drop favourites Hayden Wilde and Alex Yee after pushing the swim and the bike. Given the same happened at the 2022 WTCS Final, Hauser took the lessons of the races to heart.

“The most important thing is everyone working cohesively together and having that real belief that the hard work you’re putting in can eventuate into a really successful result. It’s shown on the results page: two times at major championships it has worked.”

“It’s not just up to a sub-29 minute run. A few different factors will have to come together to win the race.”

As things stand, Hauser is one of the vanishingly few men in the WTCS field capable of both being the first man out of the water and of recording a field leading run split. Indeed, he accomplished both feats on his way to his maiden WTCS win in Montreal.

In light of his success and ability, the Australian audience will have high hopes for him in Paris.

To date, five Australian women have won Olympic medals. No Australian man has yet done so. The men have enjoyed plenty of success over the years. Peter Robertson won a hat-trick of world titles in the 2000s, Brad Kahlefeldt took gold at the Commonwealth Games as part of a superb 2006 season, and Jacob Birtwhistle picked up the mantle by claiming WTCS race wins.

Now it is Hauser’s turn to shoulder the expectation.

“It fills me with a lot of pride that I have the opportunity to continue that success and to hold the banner for the new wave of triathlon talent out of Australia. I’m embracing it.”

Moreover, he drew lessons from his previous Olympic experience in Tokyo. A disappointing team showing prompted a fall-out in the triathlon community at home.

“It changed my approach to the Games a little bit in the fact that I want to make sure I take every opportunity with both hands. I was probably a little bit young and naïve heading into Tokyo and probably expected more than I could deliver. That was a big eye-opener.”

Equally, in Tokyo Hauser had the chance to see how gold medals across sports lifted the Australian team.

“I’m hungry to provide those empowering and uplifting moments for Australia.”

Australia expects - Hauser ready to deliver

Considering its population size, Australia has long punched above its weight. The country has celebrated world champions in an array of sports and has been a major player in the overall Olympic medal table. Representing a country that sets so much in store by way of cultural identity against its sporting success therefore comes with a unique type of pressure.

Hauser, though, shrugged it off.

“It goes hand in hand with having such a relaxed vibe and being such a young and vibrant country.”

Likewise, he remained level-headed regarding the prospect of becoming the first Australian man to win an Olympic medal in triathlon.

“It would mean the world to me. It’s what every four year cycle is about. If you’re not striving to win or get a medal or be up there in a race then what are you doing? Sixty guys are going to line up on the start line in Paris and essentially go for gold.”

“Everyone that has invested so much time in me and my journey, I want to do it for them.”

“But I’m not putting a medal on a pedestal. Knowing who I need to be and where I need to be physically and mentally to put my best foot forward on the day is what I’m striving for.”

Recent history has shown that Hauser cannot expect smooth sailing all the way to Paris. When he gets there, though, he will be prepared for anything that comes his way.

Australia expects. And Matt Hauser is ready to deliver.

Reunited full-time with his coach Joel Filiol, back on extended training camps with nothing more to think about than form and focus, the enormous carrot of a home Olympics now just five months away, the two-time World Champion Vincent Luis is ready to pounce on every opportunity 2024 sends his way.

Dialling in at the end of four weeks in Lanzarote and ready for the season opener in Abu Dhabi, Luis is open about the likelihood of this being his last full season of short course racing. The blue carpet will undoubtedly miss one of the greats, but as the 34-year-old reflects on his career on the latest episode of the World Triathlon Podcast, the feeling will be mutual.

Before any discussion of retirement, there is a season for the ages ahead of him. Injury may have seen him a mere spectator as teammates Dorian Coninx, Leo Bergere and Pierre Le Corre hoovered up the prizes in 2023, but the experience has left him hungry. Three spots available, four world-class athletes competing for them, one huge decision ahead for the selectors. All Luis wants to do is produce the results that mean, purely based on form, he can still be one of them.

Listen to the latest episode of the World Triathlon Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google and wherever you subscribe to your podcasts.

Paris is calling

“Obviously it is a home Games, if we don’t do it now we will never do it,” says Luis as he analyses what lies ahead not just for him and his teammates but for French triathlon as a whole. There is no doubt that this can be the year that the sport – already hugely popular across the country - goes stratospheric. It feels like the billboards are waiting, it is just a question of which of the six athletes on the final team sheet will be on there.

After feeling pain in his calf just a few days before last August’s Test Event, the almost inevitable came as Luis was forced to pull up on the run. An MRI scan revealed a tear, and the season was done. An onlooker as Alex Yee powered to gold, he took time out and went on holiday around the time of the Championship Finals, but couldn’t help but watch the drama that unfolded in Spain as Coninx took the title in a dramatic sprint finish with Le Corre.

“I was on holidays, in a beautiful destination, and I watched this race. That was really tough… but I think it fuelled me for this winter, in a good way… in a sense that, well, in Abu Dhabi (2023) I was beating the guys that were at the front in Pontevedra, so that means I can still do it.”

“The next day I actually had a call from the French high performance director. I was really transparent with him. I told him I’m not gonna sell you anything right now. I’m not running, I’m doing my rehab and doing everything I can, and if you make a pick today then I’m not part of the team and I know it. But I told him to count on me to be strong when it counts a couple months before the Olympics, leave a door open for me and I’ll be there. I won’t disappoint you.”

Powerful words from a man who has a remarkable hit rate of 18 Series medals in 51 finishes over the years, the kind of ratio that an Olympic selection team would find very difficult to ignore. 

“I’ve raced against every Olympic champion we have seen. I’ve won races that were foot races and I’ve won races that were breakaways. I’ve never been the best swimmer, biker or runner, but I’ve always been there and that’s what triathlon is all about.”

As far as tacit warnings to his rivals go, a clear-headed, single-minded Vincent Luis is undoubtedly something to worry about. With the ultimate target of producing his famous fireworks at a home Games in Paris, that prospect grows even stronger. He first it the podium at the highest level in 2012. His last podium? Ten years later, with gold on one of the toughest courses out there, WTCS Bermuda. All the ingredients are there for one more slice of magic.

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World Triathlon is proud to announce the Para triathlon support grants for 2024, to offer financial assistance to Para triathletes to prepare and attend World Triathlon sanctioned Para events in order to gain Olympic Qualification points on the way to 2024 Paris. 1 July 2024 marks the closure of the Paralympic Qualification period towards the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. World Triathlon offers financial assistance to Para triathletes to maximise their potential to be on the blue carpet in Paris and beyond

The target group will be Para triathletes from National Federations who did not have medallists* at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Their National Federations belong to National Federation Group 2, 3B, 3A, 4 (As per National Federation Survey 2022, more details are here). Para triathletes who have already shown competence at a Continental and/or World level and are looking to step up to top-level training and racing need support. These Para athletes should be seen as Paralympic prospects (Paris 2024, LA 2028) by their National Federations. World Triathlon may consider direct applications from Para athletes with refugee status or from their host federation. TRI and the athlete will directly manage these cases after approving their refugee status.

The list of National Federations eligible for these Grants are:

Para triathletes must be registered and in good standing with their National Federations and have shown the ability to race at a high standard. The nominated Para triathletes should be committed to competing in the long term and have the Paralympic Games as an ultimate objective.

The following criteria will be considered in the selection process:

Current position on the World Triathlon Para Rankings
Completion of one World Triathlon-sanctioned Para event since 1 July 2023
Must meet the target group criteria above
PLEASE NOTE: All applications MUST be submitted and endorsed by the respective National Federation of the applicant. The National Federation must be in good standing with World Triathlon.

The online applications should be submitted no later than Friday, 15 March 2024 (CET). Successful applicants will be informed the following week.

Online Application Form

The World Triathlon Para Triathlete Support Grant is entitled to be used for the following.

Travel and accommodation in conjunction with the 2024 World Para Triathlon Events
Recovery services: Massage, Physiotherapy
Equipment
For more information on the World Para Triathlete Support Grant, please get in touch with Eric Angstadt, Sr. Manager Para triathlon at eric.angstadt@triathlon.org.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 15 MARCH 2024 (CET).

2023 Para Athlete Support Grant Recepients

Kirsty Weir (RSA) PTS3
Laydis Vega (PAN) PTS5
Shashruti Vinayak Nakade (IND) PTS2
Eslam Ali (EGY) PTWC
Rustamjan Satiboldiyev (UZB) PTS2
Gerasimos Lignos (GRE) PTVI
Bence Mocsari (HUN) PTS5
Lazar Filipovic (SRB) PTVI
Ibrahim Al Hussein (TRI) PTS3

In 2022, World Triathlon awarded an Athlete Support Grant to Para Triathletes in conjunction with the 2022 World Triathlon Championship Finals Abu Dhabi.

World Para Triathlon Championships | Para triathlete Support Grant Recipients | 2022 Abu Dhabi

Antonio Franko (CRO)
Bence Mocsári (HUN)
Fethi Zouinkhi (TUN)
Filipe Marques (POR)
Seyed Shooresh Delpasand (IRI)
Krushna Babasaheb Tanpure (IND)

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and World Triathlon have announced a box office start list for the Miami T100 at CLASH Endurance Miami on 9 March, 2024.

Led by an intriguing match-up between PTO World #1 Anne Haug (GER) and #4 Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR), the 20-athlete field on the women’s race will also feature PTO World #6 Kat Matthews (GBR), #7 Paula Findlay (CAN), #8 Daniela Ryf (SUI), #9 Imogen Simmonds (SUI) and #10 Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR).

The full line up of contracted T100 athletes can be found here and includes:

Anne Haug (GER)
Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR)
Kat Matthews (GBR)
Paula Findlay (CAN)
Daniela Ryf (SUI)
Imogen Simmonds (SUI)
Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR)
Skye Moench (USA)
Tamara Jewett (CAN)
India Lee (GBR)
Holly Lawrence (GBR)
Lucy Byram (GBR)

With 12 of the 20 athletes contracted to the T100 Triathlon World Tour deciding to race in Florida, it means there is an opportunity for 8 wildcards, which the PTO will announce tomorrow, Friday 1 March.

The men’s race features 14 of the top 17 PTO World Ranked athletes, led by #2 Magnus Ditlev and a very strong contingent of Americans, including #3 Jason West, #9 Sam Long and #23 Ben Kanute, who will all be aiming for a win on home soil. It will also see reigning Ironman World Champion France’s Sam Laidlow as well as two-time Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee from Great Britain.

The full line up of contracted T100 athletes can be found here and includes:

Magnus Ditlev (DEN)
Jason West (USA)
Sam Long (USA)
Pieter Heemeryck (BEL)
Ben Kanute (USA)
Sam Laidlow (FRA)
Daniel Baekkegard (DEN)
Mathis Margirier (FRA)
Rudy Von Berg (USA)
Leon Chevalier (FRA) 
Bradley Weiss (RSA)
Clement Mignon (FRA)
Aaron Royle (AUS)
David McNamee (GBR)
Alistair Brownlee (GBR)
Javier Gomez (ESP)
Rico Bogen (GER) 

Eyeing the perfect opportunity and venue - where he won last year - to get his T100 racing off to a winning start, Jason West can’t wait to get on the startline. “I want to be the first World Champion at the 100km distance, so winning again at Homestead-Miami Speedway would get that ambition off to a positive start,” said the American, who is fast becoming many pundits’ pick to win the inaugural T100 Triathlon World Tour and is also the subject of the PTO’s Countdown To Miami T100 documentary alongside German star Anne Haug.

With 17 of the 20 athletes contracted to the T100 Triathlon World Tour deciding to race in Florida, it means there is an opportunity for 3 wildcards, which the PTO will announce tomorrow, Friday 1 March.

On Saturday 9 March, the broadcast will begin at 1300 EST. The men will race the 100km course (2km swim; 80km bike; 18km run) at the Homestead-Miami Speedway first, starting at 1315 EST and then the women from 1650 EST. The course includes 2.25 laps of the lake, 22 bike laps of a 3.54km circuit and then 7 run laps to finish.

Fans can watch exclusively live from 1900 CET in Europe on Eurosport, via PTO+ for the rest of the world and on Max in the US, and on TriathlonLIVE.tv in certain territories. In total, both races will be live around the world in 195 territories, courtesy of the PTO’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery as well as a range of other international, regional and local broadcasters such as CCTV in China and ESPN in LATAM.

A reminder of how the T100 Triathlon World Tour works

- Each contracted athlete must complete a minimum of 5 races plus the Grand Final. Although racing obligations for athletes who’ve qualified and will compete in the Olympics have been reduced.
- Athletes to score 35 points for first place to 1 pt for 20th place at each race
- The Grand Final has increased points to up the ante (55 pts down to 4 pts)
- Each athlete’s best three T100 race scores plus the Grand Final will count towards the the inaugural women’s and men’s T100 World Championship
- $250,000 USD prize fund at each T100, totalling $2,000,000 across the eight races (1st place – $25,000k; 2nd – $16,000; 3rd – $12,000 at each race)
- The series winners following the Grand Final will be crowned T100 Triathlon World Champion and collect $210,000 USD from an additional total prize pool of $2,000,000