World Triathlon

World Triathlon established the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to identify and recognise individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the involvement of women and girls in the sport, at a grassroots level. in 2022, World Triathlon awarded Nelly Becerra, from the Federación Mexicana de Triatlón, with the Award of Excellence award. Mexico’s Nelly Becerra has been an exceptional role model for all male and female triathletes and has dedicated her career to creating spaces where other women can enter and participate in the sport of triathlon, in a safe, welcoming and fun environment. She has been a leader, covering positions as a technical official, executive member in the federation, has been an elected member of the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, coached male and female triathletes and helped develop women to work in triathlon in managerial roles. Nelly Becerra was presented with the World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence in 2022.

On 2024 International Women’s Day Nelly Becerra shares how she continues to inspire inclusion in the sport of triathlon worldwide.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Receiving this award has reinforced my efforts to introduce more women to our sport, I thank you for your encouragement, and I am honored by your trust in me. I will continue to encourage women to reach their triathlon goals. As we say “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”.

WHAT THE SPORT MEANS TO YOU
Sports to me means representing my Mexican triathlon federation, my love for triathlon. I have been involved for more than 30 years. It’s not just an extracurricular activity, it is my everyday activity and work, it’s where we come together and learn discipline, and patience

CONTINUING TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON TRIATHLON
I have created a programme to involve more women in sports as triathlon, running races and spartan races all around Mexico, the programme is called WomanUp
The WomanUp programme aims to empower women athletes, recognise their role as a reference in society and raise awareness of the need for us all to build a society with equal opportunities.
We have 50 top female sportswomen from all around Mexico representing the values of WomanUp through their sporting activities. With them, it continues to pave the way for women’s sport to finally get the recognition it deserves.

MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION
I have spent the last couple of decades working hard on introducing more women to our sport.
We live in a world where sport was made for men, whether we are competing at the highest level or running a local triathlon, we often feel like something is missing when it comes to getting the best from our bodies, so that is why I created the WomanUp races, so any woman can fit in the triathlon world and feel comfortable to do it.
My two daughters Andrea 32 and Ana 28 keep me motivated because I want them to have better opportunities in sports, they are my true inspiration.

GOALS FOR GENDER BALANCE AND EQUALITY
To create policies for gender equality. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Achieving gender equity requires a collective effort from organisations, governing bodies, sponsors and individuals.
Breaking down barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and challenging gender stereotypes are essential steps towards creating an inclusive and equitable sports industry.

INSPIRE INCLUSION
For me, INSPIRE INCLUSION means that women from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate in our sport. By supporting and amplifying the voices of female triathletes, female coaches, female race directors, female technical officials, etc, so we know how has been their journey to get where they are now and create with their knowledge a programme of mentorship.

For more information about the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, visit the website.