Digital magazines from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Series
Issue link: http://worldtriathlon.uberflip.com/i/613890
3 PREFACE ยท TRIATHLON 2015 ITU PRESIDENT MARISOL CASADO Dear Triathlon Family, In our 26th year as an International Federation, ITU enjoyed yet another thrilling season of triathlon racing. In this pre-Olympic year, competition was fierce as athletes raced to collect points to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. In the process, Spain's Javier Gomez cemented his name as one of the most remarkable triathletes to ever hit the sport when he became the first athlete to win five ITU World Championship titles. On the women's side, Gwen Jorgensen was simply unbeatable and unbelievable. She completed a perfect, undefeated season keeping intact a 12-race WTS winning streak that saw her crowned the World Champion for a consecutive year. Congratulations to both of these incredible athletes, and to all of those that raced. Beyond the World Triathlon Series, preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio is well underway. Athletes had the opportunity to ty out the Olympic and Paralympic courses in iconic Copacabana during the Test Event, which also saw several National Federations earn their tickets to Brazil. While Mixed Relay won't be included in the Olympic programme for Rio, we are more passionate than ever to make that dream a reality for Tokyo 2020. This incredible year would not have been possible without the support of so many people. A huge thank you to our Executive Board, ITU commissions and committees, as well as all of our commercial sponsors and all the staff that give so much to our sport. Thank you also to the local organising committees, host cities, and race officials, without whom we wouldn't be where we are today. In looking ahead, we should all be excited for the direction in which triathlon is headed, with participation continuing to increase every year. While the 2015 season has come to an end, another season is just around the corner. We look forward to more exciting racing in 2016, and hope to see you at an ITU race soon. Sincerely, Marisol Casado