Image makeover for sport of triathlon
Spectators welcome triathletes at the end of the swim leg of the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
The sport of Triathlon must “thrive to survive” says World Triathlon President Antonio Fernández Arimany.
World Triathlon released its Future of Triathlon report this week, outlining a vision to unlock “untapped commercial and global opportunities”.
The Deloitte-authored report highlights challenges in triathlon’s current model, from fragmented governance and limited digital presence to underleveraged mass participation events.
Following the presentation of the report at the Events Summit in Hamburg a panel discussion explored strategies to enhance triathlon.
One of the things discussed was the Olympic potential of the Professional Triathlete Organisation's (PTO) new T100 triathlon distance of 100km.
The T100 includes a 2km swim, 80km cycle leg and 18km run.
Sam Renouf, CEO of PTO, say the potential inclusion of the T100 distance in the Olympic program is exciting and could significantly enhance the sport's global appeal, offering a more accessible and spectator-friendly format.
Oliver Schiek, Events Director of the German Triathlon Federation (DTU), says they need to embrace innovation and new formats to create events that resonate with both athletes and fans, to ensure they offer a product that is exciting and accessible.
The Hamburg Summit gathered stakeholders including National Federation Executives, private event organisers, broadcasters, athletes and sponsors.
Ironman World Champs a finalist
The VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship has been named a finalist in the Major or Mega Event of the Year category at the 2025 NZEA New Zealand Event Awards.
Taupō District Council district events manager Sinead Vincent said being recognised as a finalist in such a competitive field was a “remarkable achievement”.
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our partners, the IRONMAN Group, Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa, whose support was instrumental in making it all possible."