YOG

Last edited on 05/01/13 at 6:36 pm

An inspirational new format of the sport - Triathlon Mixed Relay - was introduced at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. It marked the first time that the format has been part of a global multi-sport competition. Sixty-four young triathletes from five continents, all of whom had already competed in the individual triathlon event at YOG, made up the 16 teams vying for the first-ever Youth Olympic Games Triathlon Mixed Relay gold medal. In an original and innovative twist, continental teams compromising of athletes from various nations were introduced. Europe took the inaugural crown.  Click here for a full race report.

IOC President Jacques Rogge was present at the Triathlon Mixed Relay in Singapore. In his notes to the international press published a day before the opening of the Youth Games, Rogge mentioned Triathlon Mixed Relay as an “interesting innovation”, reflecting the Olympic programmes changing attitudes to sport and society. “All of these are designed to appeal to a younger audience and inspire the young athletes,” Rogge noted.

After the race in Singapore Marisol Casado, president of ITU and member of IOC, said, “We believe Triathlon Mixed Relay has tremendous appeal to youth, and can help expose a new generation to this wonderful sport. ITU is very passionate about having the discipline added to the Olympic programme to inspire youth to take up this wonderful sport.”