Development, Education & NF Services: May recap

by doug.gray@triathlon.org on 13 Jun, 2024 09:05 • Español

As the Olympic Qualification period came to a close, the World Triathlon Education and Development team ensured the future of triathlon remains strong and prosperous with various projects in May.

These included:

Oceania Agreement Signed
+ The Oceania Triathlon - World Triathlon Agreement was finalised and signed in May. Oceania Triathlon will focus on customising its National Federations development and preparing for the 2025 Mini Pacific Games in Palau.

Athlete Development
+ Eleven members of Team World Triathlon have qualified for Paris, with many providing new flags.

+ Algeria hosted a World Triathlon Development Cup, becoming Africa’s third National Federation to do so.

Coach Education
+ Level 2 coach Jonah Camps from Trinidad and Tobago received recognition from the prestigious International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP).

+ Our first Para athlete became a level 2 coach at the 7th edition of the Korean Triathlon Federation - World Triathlon Coach Education Programme.

Technical Official Education
+ Tashkent prepared Technical Officials for the first ever World Cup in Uzbekistan.

+ Santo Domingo (DOM) and Subic Bay (PHI) hosted a World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 1 Seminar.

+ Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Abu Dhabi (UAE) hosted a combined World Triathlon Technical Officials & Event Organisers Community Level Seminar.

Upcoming Projects
+ June National Federation Virtual Open Hours ‘Digital Transformation.’
A presentation by World Triathlon and developmer partner N3xt Sports will showcase the TRI Digital Transformation and its benefits for World Triathlon, National Federations, Continental Confederations, athletes, and other stakeholders.

+ What’s Next… two exciting projects to be involved in:
Air Pollution and Extremes in Air Temperature in Triathlons
Europe Triathlon’s Para Triathlon Horizon 2032

Full details of all these projects follows.

2024 Development Agreement

World Triathlon signed the 2024 Development Agreement with Oceania Triathlon following the approval of the TRI Executive Board in Yokohama, Japan, in early May. Oceania Triathlon will focus on customising its National Federations’ development and the preparation of the 2025 Mini Pacific Games in Palau.

Visit triathlon.org for the detailed 2024 Oceania Triathlon Development Agreement contract.
All continental development agreements can be found here.

Athlete Development

1st row (l-r):
Diego Moya (CHI); Jawad Abdelmoula (MAR), Matthew Wright (BAR), Tyler Smith (BER), Eliu Adjavon (TOG)
2nd row:
Carolina Velasquez Soto (COL), Erica Hawley (BER), Manami Iijima (GUM), Vicky van der Merwe (RSA), Edda Hannesdottir (ISL)

Eleven Members of Team World Triathlon in Paris

Eleven athletes - five more than at Tokyo 2020 - from 10 NFs and 4 continents qualified/earned Olympic slots from the Team World Triathlon project for Paris 2024, bringing three new flags (Iceland, Guam and Togo) into the history of Olympic triathlon.

Olympic Ranking (4):
Jawad Abdelmoula (MAR), Diego Moya (CHI),
Carolina Velasquez Soto (COL), Erica Hawley (BER)

Continental New Flag (4):
Matthew Wright (BAR) - Americas, Manami Iijima (GUM) - Oceania, Vicky Van der Merwe (RSA), Africa male’s new flag is pending

IOC Universality (3):
Edda Hannesdottir (ISL), Tyler Smith (BER), Eloi Adjavon (TOG)

World Triathlon Development would like to congratulate all the athletes, their National Federations and coaches on their success. Additionally, the following TRI Athlete Scholarship holders made it to Paris: Petra Kurikova (CZE) and Gaspar Riveros (CHI).

We also want to acknowledge the effort, investment, dedication and passion made by those members who will not line up on the blue carpet in Paris at the end of July. You have had an amazing journey that should be continued toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Discover more about the Olympic Qualification Journeys of Team World Triathlon via the following articles:
Team World Triathlon athletes qualify for the Paris Olympic Games
Who earned the Paris Olympic Triathlon New Flag places?
Olympic Solidarity programme supporting triathletes to Paris Olympics

Algeria becomes Africa’s third National Federation to host a DRC

In May, Algeria hosted the 2024 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup Algiers. Included in this major event for the region were pre- and post-event mentoring sessions for athletes that welcomed participants from Algiers, Benin, Senegal and Kenya.

The initiative was designed to provide these young athletes with a better understanding of how to focus and establish their specific, achievable goals and provide guidance on current realities.

“A key focus of the sessions helped athletes identify how they can apply their determination and desire to develop as athletes in the sport of triathlon, how they can improve their self-talk, reframe negative thoughts and how to focus on their effort, progress and achievements. It was a great initiative, essential for the young talented athletes of the region.” - Mahdi Mnif (TUN), TRI Coach Facilitator

More details about the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup initiative can be found here: 2025_Bid_World Triathlon Development Regional Cup

Coach Education

Jonah Camps (TTO) graduates from ICECP

The International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) celebrated the graduation of its 14th class in a ceremony held on April 24 at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. This joint program, organised by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the University of Delaware, and IOC Olympic Solidarity, equips national-level coaches with advanced coaching and leadership skills, alongside the latest coaching principles, to foster sports development in their respective countries.

Thirty-four coaches representing 33 nations and 18 sports received diplomas from IOC President, Mr. Thomas Bach. Since its inception in 2008, the ICECP has graduated 491 participants from 130 nations and 42 sports.

This year, World Triathlon Level 2 Coach and Facilitator Jonah Camps from Trinidad and Tobago was among the graduates representing Triathlon.

Jonah’s project focused on the development of Triathlon Schools, Clubs, and Coaches in South and Central Trinidad and Tobago.

The initiative aims to increase the number of school and community clubs led by competent coaches well-versed in the early stages of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD), targeting areas outside of Port of Spain, where most current clubs are concentrated.

The first Para Triathlete to become a Level 2 Coach in Korea

The seventh edition of the Korea Triathlon Federation - World Triathlon Coach Education Programme kicked off in May with a group of Level 2 coach candidates. Namseoul University in Cheonan, South Korea, hosted ten coaches from seven ODA countries for an intensive five-day program facilitated by Eugene Lee (SGP) and Istvan Jankov (World Triathlon).

The programme has been supported and financed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of Korea, the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC), the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPF) and the Korea Triathlon Federation (KTF).

For the first time, a Para triathlete participated in World Triathlon’s coaching course. Jiachao Wang (CHN), a decorated swimmer with multiple medals from the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Paralympic Games (including a gold in the Men’s 4 × 100 meter medley in London) and a fourth-place finish in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games’ PTS4 triathlon event, brought invaluable insights. His presence highlighted the coaching principles of individuality and specificity, enriching the overall learning experience and discussions with a new depth and perspective.

Click below for footage of the course:

Continuing the project, this year’s Level 1 course is planned for October-November. Eligible National Federations will receive calls to nominate their coaches on time, but shall already think about their candidates.

Technical Official Education

Tashkent prepared Technical Officials for the first ever World Cup in Uzbekistan

In preparation for the 2024 World Triathlon Cup in Samarkand, a TRI Technical Official Level 1 Seminar was conducted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on May 13-14. The seminar hosted twenty-four participants, primarily from Uzbekistan, along with attendees from Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Many participants already had local officiating experience, making them familiar with some competition rules.

“It is always challenging to facilitate when not all participants speak or write English. With the assistance of a translator as well as some helpful participants, the knowledge was imparted to the class.” – Melody Tan (MAS), Facilitator

“Despite working as a TO at the national level for more than 4 years, I gained a lot of new knowledge and practical experience. The timing of the training was calculated very accurately, I managed to remember most of the information and did not get tired, all the breaks were on time. The presentation was prepared in an informative way and a lot of visual information was given. The videos were very educational. I hope I will be able to attend your seminar again!” - Igor Batrakov (RUS).

“I am very happy to be here. I have been preparing for 6 months, learning English, because I was notified that such a seminar is possible. I was very interested in listening to the seminar because I have a year and a half of experience in different segments of triathlon events, although I am not an athlete. I projected the whole course on my experience of working in competitions. I especially liked the fact that unlike the online seminar (community level), the live seminar allows you to discuss everything with real examples. Perhaps a little tedious and surprising was that many people from the seminar do not know English, which could have slowed down the process, but I accept this fact.” – Valentina Kosilova (KGZ).

“Thanks for the seminar. All the difficult points were explained in simple words and it was easy to understand them.” – Yaroslav Shustikov (UZB).

Santo Domingo educates a new generation of TOs

After a six-year break, World Triathlon Technical Officials’ education returned to the Dominican Republic in May, hosting the 2024 Santo Domingo World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 1 Seminar in the capital. Twenty-four national officials participated in the course and received more than 20 hours of theoretical and practical training, necessary for them to be able to officiate in national events as Technical Delegates and continental events as Technical Officials.

The course was visited by Jose Paulino, Director of the High Performance & New Values Programme (PARNI) - Ministry of Sport and Miguel Rivera, Executive Committee Member - Dominican Olympic Committee

“It was a very dynamic course, very well appreciated by the participants from different parts of the country as well as the authorities who were present.” - Felix Molina (MEX), TRI Technical Official facilitator

Sierra Leone seeks knowledge for Technical Officials and Event Organisers

Sierra Leone National Triathlon Association, under the leadership of President Winston Crowther, systematically creates opportunities to bring triathlon and duathlon closer to the public and make sure that education is available for those who would like to promote, practise or organise any triathlon and its multisport-related activity in the country.

As part of the preparation for the 2024 Africa Triathlon Zone 1 Championships Freetown to be hosted in December 2024, a Community Event Organiser and Technical Officials Seminar was organised in the capital city of Freetown from 10 to 11 May. Retief Freysen, TRI Technical Official Facilitator from South Africa introduced the basics to an enthusiastic audience.

“Triathlon will become well-known sport in Sierra Leone.” - President of Sierra Leone Triathlon

Philippines pushes for TO Education

Subic Bay, Philippines, is one of the most secured triathlon venues for Asia Triathlon’s race calendar, hosting various levels of events every year. Besides the Asian Triathlon Cup earlier this year, the 2024 Asia Triathlon Para Championships Subic Bay required further education opportunities to their national TO’s to ensure a safe and fair delivery. Among the participants was Ahyar Daud, Secretary General of Indonesia Triathlon who, alongside fellow participants, reflected that the seminar was informative and fuelled their passion for triathlon.

“An enthusiastic group of candidates who could immediately transform their theoretical studies into practicality at the 2024 Asia Triathlon Para Championship Subic Bay.” - Peter Chua (SGP), TRI Technical Officials Facilitator who conducted the course.

Abu Dhabi trains a new set of Technical Officials for the future

Abu Dhabi (UAE) has been an important venue for the World Triathlon Championship Series since 2015 and has continuously invested in Technical Officials’ education serving the events including Para triathlon. This was again the case in May, with a community seminar to establish basics for the future to build on.

“The role of Technical Officials supplied by the UAE NF has taken some years to implement and this we hope will be a good beginning for the TO group to now grow in the next few years with more community seminars and follow-on Level 1 seminar.” - Rick Fulton (ZIM), TRI Technical Official Facilitator delivering the course.

What’s Next?

New Development Projects

NEW WEBINAR: Air Pollution and Extremes in Air Temperature in Triathlons
The Global Triathlon Safety Task Force hosts the Air Pollutions and Extremes in Air Temperature in Triathlon webinar on 26 June. The webinar is open to all and everybody is welcome.

Environmental factors are having a significant impact on hosting safe races throughout the world. The Global Triathlon Safety Task Force will be recording a webinar to discuss the science behind how air quality and extreme temperatures affect participants, and what can be implemented to minimise risk.

The Webinar will take place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 8:00 AM (New York) at 14:00 CEST (Madrid) and you can register to watch it LIVE here.

The following six panellists participating in this webinar all have significant experience in dealing with weather-related issues and will share important insights on dealing with the challenges:

+ A review of the science behind how air pollution and temperature impact races | Paolo Emilio, Medical Manager, World Athletics

+ The impact on athletes on air quality and temperature in races. | Ben Stephenson, Physiologist and performance lead with UK Sports Institute and Vicky Tolfrey, Professor of Applied Disability Sports, Loughborough University

+ New technology for tracking athletes’ vital signs during the race in real-time | Yannis Pitsiladis, Professor of Sports and Exercise Science, Hong Kong Baptist University

+ How can race organisers mitigate challenges created by uncontrollable climate factors? | TK Miller, Global Medical Advisory Board Chair, The Ironman Group

+ Specific rules for air quality and temperature extremes for World Triathlon events | Thanos Nikopoulos, Head of Operations, World Triathlon

The webinar recording will be available on the World Triathlon Education Hub from Friday, June 28.

Europe Triathlon: Para Triathlon Horizon 2032 Program continued in 2024

Europe Triathlon encourages its members to apply for the 2024 Rio Maior Europe Triathlon - World Triathlon Para Development Camp from October 3 to 10 in Portugal, which is part of their long-term Para triathlon initiative called Para Triathlon Horizon 2032.

Joining the Rio Maior Para Development Camp offers a unique and valuable experience for athletes and provides expert guidance from experienced coaches who offer personalised feedback and tailored training. The camp is held in Rio Maior, known for its excellent training facilities that support high-level training. Athletes will have access to world-class amenities, ensuring they have everything needed for successful training sessions. Moreover, the camp will attract athletes from various countries, creating an excellent networking opportunity. You will be able to connect with fellow triathletes, potentially leading to lasting friendships and valuable connections within the community.

This intensive camp will lead directly into the 2024 World Triathlon Para Cup Alhandra and 2024 Europe Triathlon Para Cup Alhandra scheduled for the 12th and 13th of October. It’s a fantastic chance to prepare for these events.

For more application information please contact Marc D’hooge Secretary, Europe Triathlon Development Committee at dhoogemarcetu@gmail.com, or Kelly Natasha Project Coordinator at natasha@triathlonireland.com.

The application deadline has been extended to 23 June.

National Federations Open Hours: Digital Transformation

The June edition of our National Federations Virtual Open Hours will be dedicated to the importance of Digital Transformation, where World Triathlon and its developer partner N3xt Sports will present TRI Digital Transformation and how it will benefit World Triathlon, National Federations, Continental Confederations, athletes and other stakeholders. The next National Federations Open Hours will take place virtually on Wednesday, 19 June, at 09:30 am CEST and Thursday, 20 June, at 16:30 CEST via Zoom.

Please register below and feel free to share the links with anyone in your organisation who may be interested in this topic:

19 June WEDNESDAY at 9:30 CEST EN-FR
20 June THURSDAY at 16:30 CEST EN-SP

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