Digital magazines from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Series
Issue link: http://worldtriathlon.uberflip.com/i/140549
3 PREFACE ยท TRIATHLON 2012 ITU PRESIDENT MARISOL CASADO Dear Triathletes, The 2012 ITU triathlon season was one of our most successful and exciting years to date. It was a season that produced endless action, including photo finishes at the London Olympic Games, continuous changes to the ITU World Triathlon Series leader boards, and breakthrough World Cup performances. With the first half of the season serving as Olympic qualification races, dreams were realised and broken on both the World Cup and World Triathlon Series courses. At the Grand Final, we were treated to incredible crowds, monumental paratriathlete and age-group participation, and unforgettable finishes like that of Jonathan Brownlee and Javier Gomez. But it was the London Olympics that stole the show this year. Triathletes from a record number of National Olympic Committees vied for a chance at Olympic glory in front of immense audiences. Who could forget the nail-biting battle between Nicola Spirig and Lisa Norden or the Brownlee brothers standing atop the podium together on home soil alongside Javier Gomez. Emerging from the excitement of the Games, our incredible athletes went on to complete their seasons, racing at events such as the highly successful Mixed Relay World Championships. I would like to thank all of the athletes who raced this year for amazing us with your athletic abilities and inspiring us with your perseverance and spirits. This incredible year also would not have been possible without the support of so many people. A huge thank you to our executive board and staff, ITU commissions and committees, as well as all of our commercial sponsors. Thank you also to the local organising committees, host cities, and race officials, without whom ITU races would not be possible. In looking ahead, I'm extremely excited for the direction our sport is headed. It is growing at a great rate, evidenced by the ever-increasing number of National Federations in our triathlon family. In the coming four years, paratriathlon will debut at the 2016 Paralympics and we will also continue to work tirelessly for the inclusion of the Mixed Relay into future Olympic programmes. While the 2012 season is a wrap, it won't be long before racing returns. We look forward to more great action in 2013 and hope to see you at an ITU race soon. Sincerely, Marisol Casado ITU President & IOC Member