The International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Executive Board met via teleconference last Thursday to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the organization, as well as follow up on the evolving ‘situation with events, athletes, coaches, officials and all the triathlon family.’
With all World Triathlon events currently suspended until June 30, the board reviewed the report of its operational working group, which is working with the five continental confederations to agree on the calendar for resuming the events when the pandemic is over.
During the meeting, the Executive Board approved the general principles of the new Olympic and Paralympic qualification system, which were frozen when the pandemic struck all international races. The approved principles have now been sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for their approval.
Once the new system is approved by both organizations, it will be ‘immediately communicated to all athletes, coaches and national federations.’
The board also approved the proposal of the Technical Committee to postpone the World Triathlon Rules review until the end of 2021, extend the validation year of all ITU certified officials for one more year and start with the new Technical Official certification system in 2022 instead of 2021 as it was originally planned.
The international governing body’s financial group is continuing to monitor the situation, analysing the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on World Triathlon finances, while the Communication group reported on its meetings and updates in relation to events.
