The China Taipei Triathlon Association and ASTC (Asian Triathlon Confederation) recently co-hosted the Team ASTC-ITU selection camp in Yilan, Taiwan PRC. Six coaches and seven athletes from four countries (Taiwan PRC, Malaysia, Mongolia and Philippines) took part in the camp from 25-31 January.
The camp was aimed at enhancing the development of athletes and coaches by supporting talented athletes emerging from developing National Federations. To make the camp more productive, the organisers selected athletes who meet the certain level of performance via a pre-selection process.
“It is so good to see athletes and coaches from different countries interact, support and motivate each other during training sessions,” said Coach Anthony Lozada from the Philippines. “This will be good for Asian Triathlon because we can support one another to bring up the level of our athletes. All of the athletes and coaches are now good friends. I look forward to seeing these athletes racing each other and [be] victorious at the future events.”
“We really enjoyed the camp,” said athlete Muhammad Tareef Zakaria of Malaysia. “I appreciate that my federation and ITU provide me with this opportunity to train here with international coaches. We were introduced to many triathlon specific drills, interval, techniques and speed training. We experienced how our swimming, cycling and running coaching has progressed through this camp.”
“Athletes and coaches were devoted, professional, and hard working,” said ITU facilitator and Coach Luc Morin. “I would like to thank all NFs who have been supporting athletes and coaches for this camp. Over the years, I [have] eye-witnessed the progression of our sport throughout Asia with our development camps & mentoring projects.”
“Team ASTC’s goal is to help emerging countries to produce future Olympians,” added Ki Woo Kyong, ASTC coordinator. “Our targeting group was athletes aged 18 to 20. We have selected athletes for the ASTC Team. We will support them to have more consistent training and [they] will get support to compete at international events in association with their nation federation.”
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