Federation

Contact Information

Address
#106-3 Concorde Gate
Toronto
ON
M3C 3N7
Canada

President
Stephen Holmes

Secretary General
Lori Ebbesen

Website
http://www.triathloncanada.com/

Phone
+1 4164267180

Fax
+1 4164267294

Email

Latest News

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  Ottawa named as new host for 2013 ITU Duathlon World Championships

  The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is pleased to announce that Ottawa, Canada will now act as the 2013 ITU Duathlon World Championships for Under23, Junior, Paraduathlon and Age-Group athletes, replacing the previous host city Segovia. The races will be held on August 10-11, 2013, in the centre of Canada’s capital city. The elite races for the 2013 ITU Duathlon World Championships will be held at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Colombia. Marisol Casado (IOC), President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) said: ”As the President of ITU, I am delighted to inform you that the 2013 Duathlon World Championships for Age Groups, Junior, U23 and Paraduathlon will take place in your national capital, Ottawa. We are delighted to make this award to this wonderful city. We are confident that Triathlon Canada, the national federation, and the beautiful city of Ottawa will deliver a wonderful event." While course details are being finalised with Ottawa Tourism and will involve the input of the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa and other stakeholders, it is proposed that for the full distance ITU World Championship events, the opening 10km run will be two 5km loops that will see the athletes run from Parliament, cross the Ottawa River on a bridge with stunning views, return on another bridge for a loop course. The 40km bike will start with a technical portion downtown, then head out on the Ottawa River parkway for an out-and-back portion. It will be a one-loop cycle. The final 5km run will repeat the first loop of the opening run. The junior, paraduathlon and age-group sprint races will be contested over a sprint distance course, completing less laps of the same course. The elite races for the 2013 ITU Duathlon World Championships will be held at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Colombia. The World Games, first held in 1981, are a major international multi-sport event held every four years for sports that are not contested in the Olympic Games. Duathlon appears in the World Games for the first time in 2013. Click here for more on ITU duathlon {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}

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  Canada announces Olympic team for London 2012

  A group of five Canadian athletes are determined to deliver a knock-out punch when they step into the Olympic triathlon ring for the 2012 Games in London, July 27-August 12. Led by wily two-time Olympic medallist Simon Whitfield, Triathlon Canada selected five athletes that blend a potent mix of veteran leadership with youthful enthusiasm to the Canadian Olympic Team on Tuesday. Three men and two women, including three athletes with Olympic experience and two making their Games debut, will wear the Canadian flag when they step into London’s Hyde Park for the triathlon events, August 4 (women) and August 7 (men). “We have selected a unique group of experienced athletes who have demonstrated over the last Olympic quadrennial that Canada has the ability to contend with the world’s best athletes in the sport of triathlon,” said Alan Trivett, executive director, Triathlon Canada. “This group has endured significant highs and lows in their journey to qualify for London, but have not lost sight of our collective goal of seeing the Canadian flag raised above the triathlon podium.” One of Canada’s most accomplished Olympians, Simon Whitfield, will headline the list of names while making his fourth trip to the Games. The Victoria resident captured the hearts of the nation with his thrilling gold-medal victory in triathlon’s debut at the 2000 Games in Sydney, and his silver-medal charge in Beijing in 2008. Following a very targeted race plan over the last four years in an effort to peak in London, Whitfield, 37, will look to shock the world one more time in hopes of winning his third Olympic medal for Canada. Whitfield will lead two other Canadian men who recently completed an epic two-year journey to secure three spots for the Canucks in London. Kyle Jones will make his Olympic debut in 2012. An alternate at the 2008 Games, Jones has made huge strides to develop into an elite racer over the last two years. The 27-year-old is coming off career-best top-15 performances on the ITU World Triathlon Series, has won three Continental Cup races in 2011, and finished fourth at the Pan Am Games and Edmonton World Cup last year. Brent McMahon earned a return trip back to the largest sporting spectacle after not making the team in 2008. The 31-year-old secured the third Canadian spot at the final qualification race in Madrid to wrap up a grueling journey around the world over the last 18 months. The 2004 Olympian had a monster task in front of him to rack up enough points after being sidelined for 18 months with a career-threatening knee injury. Nothing short of remarkable, McMahon executed his plan to near perfection while capturing his first World Cup victory in Hungary, winning the bronze medal at the Pan Am Games, and also added three bronze medals in Continental Cup races along the way to consistently placing in the top of the pack at World Triathlon Series races. Meanwhile, an Olympic veteran and a rookie will represent Canada in the women’s Olympic triathlon race. Kathy Tremblay will make her second-straight trip to the Summer Games following a best-ever start to the critical 2012 season. Battling to fight her way into top-25 over the last three years, the gutsy 29-year-old Tremblay captured her career-first World Cup victory in Ishigaki, Japan this spring, one week after posting her best finish on the World Triathlon Series when she was eighth at the season-opener in Sydney, Australia. Tremblay will be joined on the start line with one of the brightest young stars in the sport, Paula Findlay, who will look to be fully recovered from a nagging hip injury in time to make her first Olympic appearance. The 23-year-old Findlay’s quick surge to the top of the international triathlon rankings over the last two years has been nothing short of incredible. The Edmontonian’s historic golden run began in 2010 when she shocked the world to win on the Olympic course in London in just her second-ever ITU World Triathlon Series race. She followed that performance up with a victory two weeks later in Kitzbuhel, Austria before a fifth-place result at the Grand Final in Budapest, Hungary in September. Findlay crushed any doubts she may be a one-season wonder by winning the first three races last year: on the iconic course in Sydney, Australia; in Madrid, Spain; and she successfully defended her title in Kitzbuhel. “When healthy, this is truly one of the most talented Canadian teams in our sport’s history heading into an Olympics, which is a testament to the continued strength and growth of our national program,” said Trivett. “Through the generous support and leadership of Own the Podium, along with our corporate partners, we have been able to deliver the resources our athletes required to reach this point. We are now fully engaged in completing our journey with the aim to contribute to the Canadian Olympic Team’s goal of finishing in the top-12 of the overall medal count. Our team of athletes, coaches, medical practitioners, national staff and Board of Directors are committed to achieving Olympic excellence in London this summer.” Each of the Canadian athletes will continue following their individual training and competition plans, both domestically and abroad, leading to London. Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet. ATHLETE QUOTES Kyle Jones: “My father was a canoe coach at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics. I was born in 1984 so was pretty young, but I was surrounded in that Olympic environment at an early age. It definitely became a lifelong goal of mine so it is a thrill to finally achieve it. I’m really looking forward to doing some hard training over the next month to prepare for this race.” Brent McMahon: “It has been a long but condensed effort to qualify because I did 20 races in 12 months. It has always been a lifetime goal to compete at the Olympics and to do it twice is very gratifying. My main goal now is to maintain my health leading into the Games. Getting really fit is the focus so I can go out there and have the best race of my career.” Simon Whitfield: “The first step was to get on the team, and the second step was to get a full squad of three men qualified for London. I have great camaraderie with Brent and Kyle. Having three athletes on the start line will give Canada a better chance to achieving our goal in 2012.” Paula Findlay: “Two years ago I didn’t think that it was even possible to compete in London, but when it became a realistic possibility, my whole focus has been on getting on the team. I’m really excited and appreciate the effort our Canadian women have made to earn a second spot. I’m also excited and happy for our men to have earned three spots in London. I think the fact we are sending a full team is a bit victory for us. It is great that this is now official, and I’m looking forward to racing at the Olympics with Kathy (Tremblay).” Kathy Tremblay: “There was no second option – the plan this year was always to qualify for the Olympics so it is gratifying to have that finally realized. There has only been one other woman in Canada to compete in two Olympic triathlons so it is a real privilege to be going to my second Games. I have been training very hard, and I believe if I can get into that lead pack out after the swim in London anything can happen.” {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}

• 

  Q&A with Simon Whitfield

  We asked you via our Facebook page to submit your questions to Canadian legend Simon Whitfield. He took some time out between training sessions to answer a selection of them. Each week we'll have another top ITU star ready to answer your questions, so remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be able to submit your questions. Leslie-Anne McKenzie What inner thought/space did you tap for your medal winning performance in Beijing? Simon Whitfield: "inner space".. I quit before the line in Athens, when it was obvious I wasn't going to win I stopped giving it everything I had. I regretted that afterwards and simply committed that in Beijing I would cross the line knowing I had left everything out on the course. Piti Gutierrez: When your body and mind tells you to stop or take a break from your training routine. What keeps you motivated to continue?? Simon Whitfield: I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to compete, to "play" triathlon, that sense of "play" and the joy of calling this a "job" motivates me. Franzi Petermann: This was the best finish ever [Des Moines ITU Elite Cup 2009 - see photo below]. I love the actual photo finish picture ... Simon Whitfield:Funny man Matt Leito called it the Howard Dean finish line scream. He and I are no longer friends (sic). Carlos Valladares: After winning almost everything and being the most successful Olympic triathlete. Did you ever consider the long distance? Simon Whitfield:well thanks. Yes and no. I love going fast, running fast, pushing my swim, being competitive all the time on the bike (as compared to training for LC where you need to be precise and patient). I'll race an Ironman one day but likely not as a professional. Travis Lance Sosa: What do you do to prepare mentally? Simon Whitfield:Play. like a kid. Relax and play. Philip Hantschk: Do you sometimes regret the sacrifice that is necessary to be a successful triathlete? e.g. partying, or extreme sports, or travelling. greetings from Austria. big fan. Simon Whitfield:nope, honestly, never. I didn't go to University, I moved to France, an education on the road I suppose. The sacrifice I regret now is time away from my kids, I try to limit it but at times it's 3 weeks away from my two little girls and that's very tough. Do you feel sometimes you still have to prove something to others? Simon Whitfield:yes. Now I'm busy trying to prove I'm not too old. Long ago I was busy trying to prove I could actually do it. Then I was trying to prove I wasn't a one hit wonder. Then that I could ride, then swim. then still compete...... Pete Knapp: Sweeter victory: 2000 gold medal or revenge and $200k at Hy-Vee? Simon Whitfield:Hands down Sydney. take one gold over 1000 other wins. just is what it is (for me). Kevin Eijansantos: What's the feeling of being a "Simon Whitfield"? Simon Whitfield:busy. play. ADHD [Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] :P Robert Johnson: ‎1. What sort of things (exercises, recovery, etc..) do you do to avoid injuries? 2. What are your plans for after 2012? Simon Whitfield:I'm getting old, it's getting harder to be as consistent as I used to be. I'm doing some mobility work, some posture work (as I slouch into this couch...) and some light core stuff. We shall see. Shannon Warren: How do you mix Mark's Daily Apple ideas of eating real food with the demands of being an endurance athlete? For example, do you allow for simple sugars on long bike sessions followed by a run? When you stared the process of eating by Mark's suggestions, was it hard to adapt to eating minimal carbohydrates while still swim/bike/running a lot? Simon Whitfield:I follow a pretty predictable diet. same breakfast most mornings (Ruths Hemp/Chia seed cereal) with a piece of toast and Almond butter and coffee. Eggs, bacon and toast after workout (I take Vitargo to the pool and have it immediately after workout). Protein powder, Ascenta Nutrasea oil and yogurt as a snack. dinner is limited carbs, as much veggies as possible, steak/fish/chicken etc. and usually a night time snack. repeat the next day... What type of saddle to you use with your bike? A "tri" saddle or a road bike saddle? Simon Whitfield:road saddle, been using the Roman by Specialized and love it. 2010 Ranking: 22nd 2010 Record: Sydney 5th Hamburg: 12th Seoul: DNF London : 14th If you're in a "slump" either from training or racing, what indicators do you use to know whether it's A: time to buckle down and keep plugging away/"chop wood, varry water" or B: ease up a bit, maybe take a break to "sharpen the saw"? Simon Whitfield:if you're "coaching" yourself then it's just experience that tells you when to "chop wood, carry water" and when to back off. Athletes are often afraid of training tired but that's where the gains are made. I think it's very hard to over do it, to "over train", but that's really a coaching issue and/or a planning issue. I basically do as much as I can handle and whatever that comes out to be, # of hrs trained in a week, etc. just "is what it is". Roxy Guns: What kind of training do you do in the race's week and the week after the race? Simon Whitfield: race week is just a paired down version of my typical schedule. I thrive on routine, routine, routine. it's tames my ADHD. Simon Whitfield (CAN) Date of Birth: 16 May 1975 Height: 5’10” (178 cm) Place of Birth: Kingston, Ont, Canada Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg) 2nd: 2008 Beijing Olympic Games 1st: 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games 1st: 2000 Sydney Olympic Games 3rd: 1999 Pan American Games 12 ITU Triathlon World Cup wins (tied for 2nd all-time) 8 Canadian National Championships Notable: Has competed in more than 70 ITU events. Raced in his first triathlon at age 11 and made his ITU debut as a junior in 1995. Lived in Australia as a teenager. Married with two daughters {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}

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  Triathlon Canada Celebrates 25th Anniversary

  Olympic champion Simon Whitfield and former ITU and Triathlon Canada President Les McDonald joined Triathlon Canada and more than 100 of its community to celebrate Triathlon Canada’s 25 year anniversary at its 2010 Annual General Meeting and Gala in Quebec City on Saturday. The sport has been growing at a rapid pace around the globe with a dramatic increase in participation of more than 300 per cent in the last five years, Canada’s top triathlon leaders, athletes and administrators over the last quarter-century gathered to mark the important milestone in the organisation’s history. Stephen Holmes, president, Triathlon Canada, said: “It has been an incredible ride for the sport of triathlon since the first recorded event was staged in California in 1974, which led to the formation of national federations and the International Triathlon Union in 1989. Canada has played a critical role in the international growth of our sport, and it is an absolute pleasure to bring together many of our sport’s greatest Canadian personalities – from athletes and coaches to volunteers. “When Simon Whitfield crossed the finish line in Sydney to win the first Olympic gold medal awarded in men’s triathlon, it was a day of sweet validation. Not only did a Canadian make history by winning the first event, but Les’ baby – the sport of triathlon – was on the Olympic stage following many tireless years of building and guiding its development around the world. "Canada has played a critical role in the international growth of our sport, and it is an absolute pleasure to bring together many of our sport’s greatest Canadian personalities – from athletes and coaches to volunteers."Stephen Holmes, President Triathlon Canada“Triathlon is such a unique sport in that it combines three of the most basic recreational activities we all learn as children into one thrilling sport. It is accessible, it is affordable, and most of all it is enjoyable while encouraging participants to live a healthy and more active lifestyle.” Holmes was also joined by the former presidents of the Triathlon Canada Les McDonald and Bill Hallett. McDonald, who was the inaugural president of Triathlon Canada (1984-1996), and the International Triathlon Union (1989-2008), was the driving force behind the introduction of triathlon into the 2000 Olympic Summer Games programme, which was announced in 1994 at the IOC Congress in Paris, France. {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}

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  Holmes re-elected as Triathlon Canada President

  Stephen Holmes will lead a new Board of Directors who will be counted on to play an integral role in ensuring the success of Canada’s triathletes beyond 2012. Holmes was re-elected to a new four-year term as president of Triathlon Canada at the not-for-profit sport organization’s recent Annual General Meeting in Edmonton. Holmes, who took a lead role during his opening term in assembling one of the strongest and most professional Boards in the organization’s history that has been focused on good governance, fundraising and developing the sport of triathlon across the country, will now look to expand on the foundation of his work, while leading the Board of Directors until 2013. “I take a lot of pride in the fact that we have developed a culture of quality with an accountable Board of Directors determined to achieve international high-performance excellence in triathlon, and who also play a leadership role in our sport’s communities across the country,” said Holmes, who added that recruiting quality-paid professional full-time sport and administrative leaders was a priority during his opening reign between 2005-09. “As a Board, we are going to work together over the next four years to focus on ensuring our athletes have access to the necessary funds and resources needed to win.” Recognizing money is often driven by medals, Holmes and the Board of Directors, who will oversee all areas of the organization, will also be committed to growing the sport across Canada and achieving excellence at the international level on the playing field. “Our sport has experienced tremendous growth since 2000, but we need to continue developing creative ways to find the next Simon Whitfield,” said Holmes, whose full-time career is a Barrister and Solicitor of the law firm Holmes and Company.“We need to be efficient with our resources and only send athletes who are competitive to international competitions, so that we can focus our resources and coaching on broadening the talent of our under-23 level athletes. If we achieve our plan, ideally we will see a lot more Simon’s on the horizon.” During his opening four-year term, Holmes hired the organization’s first executive director at the national office in Toronto, improved budgeting systems, and maintained a financially strong organization. As a result, Triathlon Canada has developed into a professionally-run organization that has increased its funding base through sponsorship. Holmes and the team at Triathlon Canada were also instrumental in leading the growth of participation levels at the sport by implementing major programs including: a Long Term Athlete Development Model; Canada hosting two World Championship events; improving management services to age group athletes competing at World Championships; inclusion of triathlon at Canada Summer Games in 2009; and ensuring all aspects of the sport are friendly to athletes with a disability. “We have come a long way in the last four years, but we cannot stop here. We need to continue to build on this success in order to lead our sport to greater achievements in the future,” said Holmes. “One of our biggest challenges is going to be raising the financial resources to achieve excellence but I am confident we will achieve our goals with the exceptional people we have in place.” Holmes and his Board of Directors have four core strategies they will focus on over the next quadrennial including: national team program from the grassroots to high-performance sport level; development system at the national training centres, development team and talent identification; coaching programs; and national championships. A high-performance athlete himself growing up, Holmes competed in a variety of university sports prior to representing Canada on eight age group triathlon and duathlon teams that competed at the World Championships. He has also competed in an Ironman and has completed several marathons around the world. Holmes joined Triathlon Canada’s Board of Directors as vice-president prior to becoming president in 2005. He is an executive of the Pan American Triathlon Congress and a former president of Triathlon British Columbia. “I truly believe in giving back, and that charity is your rent on earth,” said Holmes. “For me, to make an influence on this sport that I love is awesome, and I am going to work very hard with our Board and staff to make a mark, and ensure we achieve excellence.” Holmes will be joined on the Board of Directors from 2009-2013 by: Stephen Holmes – President Larry McMahon – Vice-President Luc Landriault – Treasurer Lori Ebbesen – Secretary General Carolyn Murray – Athlete Representative Sue Ironside – Provincial Governing Body (PGB) Representative Directors at Large Meyrick Jones – Chair Michael Copeland Mike Ellis – Chair Regional Directors Debb Brethauer – Saskatchewan/Manitoba Dan Gautreau – Atlantic Geneviève Pellerin – Ontario/Quebec Bill Hallett – Past-President (non-voting) {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}