World Champions Gustav Iden and Dame Flora Duffy were among the winners at the inaugural Global Triathlon Awards (GTAs), held at the Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice, France.
For the inaugural 2023 event, GTA partnered with Super League Triathlon, World Triathlon, the PTO, France’s Department 06 and Ekoi.
‘The GTAs brought together the very best in triathlon, from current and former world champion athletes from across triathlon distances and eras, as well as leaders in the sport and cutting-edge brands and media, to celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions across the industry.’
The ceremony was hosted by Will McCloy and Paula Radcliffe. The awards saw Norwegian Gustav Iden and Bermuda’s Dame Flora Duffy walk away with the Male and Female Athlete of the Year Awards. Chelsea Sodaro took the Rookie of the Year Award, while Talbot Cox was named as Outstanding Contributor.
The Lifetime Kudos – Contributor award went to Bob Babbitt; while the Lifetime Kudos – Pro Triathlete award was given to Nicola Spirig. Other winners included FORM Smart Swim Goggles, Zwift Hub, LEVER System, Maurten Hydrogel and Supersapiens.
All but the Kudos awards were nominated by the public, with a judging panel whittling down the shortlist and picking the final winners. For 2023, the panel included Jordan Blanco, Stephane Diagana, Emma-Kate Lidbury, Tim Don and Chelsea Burns.
Award winners:
- Best Male Triathlete (sponsored by Super League Triathlon): Gustav Iden
- Best Female Triathlete (sponsored by PTO): Dame Flora Duffy
- Rookie of the Year (sponsored by World Triathlon): Chelsea Sodaro
- Outstanding Contributor (sponsored by EKOI): Talbot Cox
- The Lifetime Kudos – Contributor: Bob Babbitt
- The Lifetime Kudos – Pro Triathlete (sponsored by Department 06): Nicola Spirig
- Best Swim Product: FORM Smart Swim Goggles
- Best Bike Product: Zwift Hub
- Best Run Product: LEVER System
Outstanding Nutrition Product: Maurten Hydrogel - Outstanding Tech Product (sponsored by Department 06): Supersapiens
Gustav Iden said “I made a deal with Kristian (Blummenfelt) that no matter who won we would applaud. So I looked over to Kristian and saw he was disappointed but still applauded. That was so good and it is so good to be appreciated by your peers. I think I am a worthy winner but so would the other nominees have been.”
Dame Flora Duffy said “I am really proud to have won and definitely surprised because the women I was up against had incredible performances last year. The GTAs was so fun. I have never been to an evening like this for triathlon, never got dressed up or seen everyone so dressed up that I had to do a few double takes. It was a very special night, and may this continue to happen year after year.”
