World Triathlon

A year ago, we were all filled with expectations about the year ahead and the new things to come: a new management team; a new World Series; a post-Olympic year, elections in National Federations and Continental Confederations - big challenges, great expectations. 

The year has unfolded at a good pace.  Everyone has been open to change and has thoroughly enjoyed it.  Some of us may have wanted to make changes with more haste, but as the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

I have resolved to go farther and will therefore work together with the National Federations, the Continental Confederations, the ITU Committees and the ITU Commissions.

I have greatly enjoyed sharing the Dextro-Energy Triathlon – ITU Triathlon World Championship Series with our elite athletes, who once again deserve our congratulations for their outstanding performances to make the series a success.  To all of you, without exception, from the first one to the last one, it is your performance in and out of the competition that is the greater strength of our sport.  It is on your account that I feel exceptionally honoured to represent Triathlon in the various international forums.

We could never, not even in our wildest dreams, have taken the leap into the world series without the endorsement of our sponsors: Lagadere, Upsolut, and Sportfive. Without the shadow of a doubt, and I do not refer here exclusively to their financial contribution, but specifically to the extraordinary working team who have known how to fit in with the ITU’s efficient and professional team.  Together they have raised the technical profile of our foremost competitions.

I am also grateful to the local organising committees who hosted the events for the first time in 2009:  Without them, and without the support of the cities and towns where the competitions took place, our sport would not to have been able to develop the way it did. 

What can we say about our professional ITU team “commanded” by Loreen Barnett?.  I cannot thank them enough for their capacity to adapt to the new direction, for the kind support they gave to me and for their unfailing commitment. 

Peter Holmes, your youth, your skills and desire to learn, your smile, your team spirit – it will always be present with us! 

The International Olympic Committee has welcomed me with open arms, and has given to Triathlon one of the most momentous Christmas gifts of which an Olympic International Federation can dream - the nomination of the IF President to become a member of the International Olympic Committee.  My warmest thanks to Dr. Jacques Rogge, IOC President for the confidence that he has placed in us. 

In 2010 the spirit of Emilio will help me to maintain the course: zeal, commitment, loyalty, friendship, competence, co-operation, high-spirits, the desire to do good, a critical mind, respect for cultural differences, a passion for Triathlon… no one can possibly replace him but his spirit will always be with me; with all of us.

With a new season and a new decade come new challenges:

• I will work for our athletes to ensure they are rewarded and recognized as they deserve;
• For triathlon to reach levels and arrives at places that we cannot imagine at this time;
• For this great ITU family to remain united and strengthen by our link with everyone that in one way or another practices Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquathlon; on road or off, in pools or in oceans.  Everyone involved; young and old; elite, age group or para; individual and team; long distance to super-sprint - THAT IS ITU!

WARM GREETINGS AND OUTSTANDING SUCCESS FOR ALL IN 2010.
Marisol Casado, President
International Triathlon Union