World Triathlon

Triathlon 2016 - Spirit of Champions

Digital magazines from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Series

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TRIATHLON 2016 I PREFACE 3 ITU PRESIDENT MARISOL CASADO Dear Triathlon Family, In our 27th year as an International Federation, ITU enjoyed yet another thrilling season of triathlon racing. With the Olympics, paratriathlon debuting at the Paralympics and incredible racing at the World Triathlon Series, it would be an understatement to say that 2016 was one of the best seasons ITU has ever experienced. History was made yet again at the Olympics, as Alistair Brownlee became the first triathlete ever to repeat an Olympic gold performance – and he did it with his brother by his side taking silver. Then in the women's race, Gwen Jorgensen and Nicola Spirig kept us guessing to the final moments on who would take gold. The American surged ahead in the last two laps to earn her first, and USA's first-ever Olympic triathlon gold. Paratriathlon couldn't have enjoyed a more successful debut at Paralympics. Competition was fierce all the way through the last race of the World Triathlon Series. After all, who could forget that incredible moment when Alistair Brownlee helped his younger brother to the finish line while Mario Mola charged from behind to win his first World Championship title? It was a moment that will stay with us a very long time. On the women's side, the battle between Gwen Jorgensen and Flora Duffy was simply breathtaking. Each woman displays a very different set of impressive skills that proved there are a variety of ways to win a triathlon, as well as a World Championship. Congratulations to both of these incredible athletes, and to all of those that raced. You continue to astonish us, and make our sport proud. Mixed Relay enjoyed yet another phenomenal year of success both with the elite World Championships in Hamburg, and the Junior/Under23 World Championships in Cozumel. Following Mixed Relay's inclusion at major events such as the Youth Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games the last several years, we are more passionate than ever to make our dream to see Mixed relay included on the Olympic programme a reality for Tokyo 2020. This incredible year would not have been possible without the support of so many people have accompanied us all the way. 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, especially amongst women. While the 2016 season has come to an end, another season is just around the corner. We look forward to more exciting racing in 2017, and hope to see you at an ITU race soon. Sincerely, Marisol Casado

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