Olympics
The International Triathlon Union is passionate about having Team Triathlon added to the Olympic programme, as the format appeals tremendously to youth. With numerous lead changes, lots of unpredictable drama and the display of team pride, the discipline develops the sport among new generations and new audiences. Additionally, the mixed relay format represents ITU’s commitment to promoting gender equality in sport, showcasing that men and women can practice the sport together on the same field of play.
“The team world championships are crucial in ITU’s quest to have a team event on the Olympic programme. The IOC Executive Board approved the mixed relay for the Youth Olympic Games, demonstrating the IOC’s support of the concept. It also represented an important step forward for the team relay’s inclusion in future Olympic Games.”
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The benefits of Team Triathlon as an Olympic Sport are as follows:
- The same athletes can compete in the individual and team events– with no additional numbers required.
- The triathlon venue can be reused at minimal additional cost.
- The proposed short format is TV-friendly.
- The 50:50 ratio of men and women is in line with the IOC’s gender equity goal.
- The event is extremely exciting for both onsite spectators and the television audience.
- The event represents a chance for a spread of medals to nations who might not necessarily win the individual events.
- The same athletes can compete in the individual and team events– with no additional numbers required.
- The triathlon venue can be reused at minimal additional cost.
- The proposed short format is TV-friendly.
- The 50:50 ratio of men and women is in line with the IOC’s gender equity goal.
- The event is extremely exciting for both onsite spectators and the television audience.
- The event represents a chance for a spread of medals to nations who might not necessarily win the individual events.
ITU’s athletes, coaches and high performance managers and National Federations are fully supportive of the concept.
Simon Whitfield, Canada. 2000 Sydney Olympic champion, 2008 Beijing Olympic silver medallist:
“It was another great day and this event is very exciting for the future of our sport, it was definitely fun and everyone raced exceptionally well. It’s a spectacular event.”
“It was another great day and this event is very exciting for the future of our sport, it was definitely fun and everyone raced exceptionally well. It’s a spectacular event.”
“It’s fantastic; I think it shows the sport and what we do in a slightly different format than people are used to seeing. Obviously, there are a lot of other sports that get to compete as a team and triathlon is just the same. If they can see how exciting it is, how close the racing is even after having four team members; I think it really should be a part of the Games.”
Greg Fraine, New Zealand national coach:
“In this type of racing if you aren’t at 100% you are going to be off the pace, it was relentless; all race and seconds at crucial moments can make or break your chances. Team racing is an exciting addition to the sport and one that will go from strength to strength.”
“In this type of racing if you aren’t at 100% you are going to be off the pace, it was relentless; all race and seconds at crucial moments can make or break your chances. Team racing is an exciting addition to the sport and one that will go from strength to strength.”
It is one of ITU’s key strategic goals to have the discipline of Team Triathlon included on the programme of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Adding the Team Triathlon event to ITU’s premier series, will mean live television and added exposure for the sport. The event attracts some of the biggest names in the sport, as the team event is hosted on the same weekend as the ITU Sprint Triathlon World Championships. In 2011 the ITU Sprint Triathlon World Championships will also carry points towards the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series.
Imaginem só o frisson de se ter a primeira competição unissex das Olimpiadas? Isso pode mudar pra sempre o maior evento esportivo do Mundo.
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