The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced four inductees for its third Hall of Fame. These athletes were inducted into the ITU Hall of Fame at a gala held as a part of the ITU Congress in Madrid on 9 December.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome these four inductees into the ITU Hall of Fame,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “Despite our short history as an International Federation, ITU has been privileged to have witnessed incredible athletes accomplish amazing feats. They laid the foundation for the federation we have grown into today.”
Elite women
- Loretta Harrop (AUS) – 2004 Athens Olympic Games silver medallist, 1999 Montreal ITU World Championships gold medallist, 2004 Madeira ITU World Championships silver medallist, 12x World Cup winner
- Carol Montgomery (CAN) – 1990 Manchester Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, 1990 Perth ITU World Championships silver medallist, 3x ITU World Championship medallist, 15x ITU World Cup winner
Elite men
- Brad Beven (AUS) – 19x ITU Triathlon World Cup winner, 4x overall ITU World Cup season champion, 3x ITU World Championships silver medallist
- Bevan Docherty (NZL) – 2008 Beijing Olympic Games silver medallist, 2004 Athens Olympic Games bronze medallist, 2004 Madeira ITU World Championships gold medallist, 2008 Vancouver ITU World Championships silver medallist, 16x world cup medallist
Those nominated for the men’s and women’s categories were selected based on the criteria that each has a championship title in one or more ITU World Championships, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, World Cup Series, and/or ITU World Rankings.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, ITU awarded Sheila O’Kelly the Michel Gignoux Award for significant contributions made to triathlon’s technical area. A release from ITU added that ‘O’Kelly is one of the greatest contributors to the sport of triathlon in both Canada and globally.’ O’Kelly is credited with raising the bar in terms of ITU event’s ‘look and feel’ and helped pave the way for the current successful ITU World Triathlon Series.
Mexico’s Claudia Beristain received the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence for her contributions in advancing women in triathlon. Beristain has not only created opportunities for young up and coming female athletes, but has also made significant contributions to empowering women in coaching positions.
