ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado and ITU Sport Director Gergely Markus have met with IOC President Jacques Rogge and IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper in Lausanne to discuss the future of ITU triathlon.
“We are very thankful we were able to meet with Dr Rogge and Mr De Kepper,” Casado said. “It provided an excellent opportunity to share ITU’s vision for the future with the IOC, as well as the success our athletes and National Federations experienced in the last Olympics. We look forward to continue working with the IOC on future projects.”
Casado updated Dr Rogge on the incredible progress ITU has made in adding more than 40 new member National Federations. She went on to state that ITU has placed a heavy emphasis on assisting those federations develop triathlon in their countries. Casado also expressed ITU’s desire to join the IOC’s Sport for Olympic Hope centres in Zambia and Haiti.
These IOC projects were designed to provide opportunities for youth, athletes and disadvantaged people to practice sport and learn Olympic ideals in the same capacity as those from developed countries. The vision of the centres is in keeping with ITU’s commitment to make triathlon accessible around the world.
Casado also explained the format for Triathlon Mixed Relay and discussed the increase in popularity and growth of the event, as well as ITU’s wish to have the event added to future Olympic programmes.
Before leaving, Dr Rogge expressed his congratulations to Casado on her re-election and wished the ITU triathlon family success in the forthcoming road to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Casado concluded their visit by inviting Dr Rogge to join ITU at various events and activities throughout the 2013 season.
