José Hidalgo or how to turn triathlon from a sport “of supermen and superwomen” into “the sport of the people”
Víctor García
February 5, 2025

José Hidalgo has been at the helm of the Spanish Triathlon Federation for 27 years and, in addition to being the president of ADESP, he is a member of World Triathlon and the Spanish Olympic Committee, as well as presiding over the Spanish Sports Association (ADESP) and the Ibero-American Triathlon Federation. In this interview with SportsIn, he analyzes the current challenges, the evolution of triathlon, and Spain’s role as a benchmark in event organization.

Hidalgo is clear that triathlon has changed and must continue evolving. “In Spain, we are in a moment of transformation in sports. Before, triathlon was seen as the sport of supermen and superwomen, then as a personal challenge… and now we want it to be the sport of the people,” he explains.

For him, the key is transversality. “Triathlon should not only be for the elite or competitions but for all of society. We want it to be perceived as a tool for health, tourism, and the economy,” he adds.

IN SEARCH OF A GLOBAL SPORT

On an international level, Hidalgo highlights the work of the current World Triathlon president, Antonio Arimany, and his vision for the future. “He inherited a great legacy (Marisol Casado), but he wants to go further, reconfiguring relationships with associates and creating a serious project, without barroom chatter,” he points out.

In this context, the study with Deloitte will be key. “We want to explore new business opportunities, improve relationships with major stakeholders, and develop new competitions to make triathlon an even more global sport,” he states.

“SPAIN, A LEADER IN EVENT ORGANIZATION”

Spain is now a leading country in the organization of major competitions. “Hosting events is not the same as managing them, and Spain decided a long time ago to invest in being a host and organizer. We have a very unique model: it is not managed by any private company, but by the federation itself,” he notes.

Moreover, Spain has embraced international collaboration. “We are a generous country; we have no problem sharing our knowledge. We have been to Saudi Arabia, the Balkans… honestly and loyally teaching how we work,” he highlights.

“WITH SYDNEY, WE MOVED TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE”

Hidalgo has witnessed firsthand the transformation of triathlon in Spain. “In this sport, there is a before and after with Sydney 2000. We went from playing in the Third Division to competing in the Champions League,” he states emphatically.

Now, the challenge is to consolidate the sport and continue growing. “The mixed model, inclusion in the Paralympic program, and increasing our space in the Olympic world are absolute priorities,” he assures.

“BEING OLYMPIC IS FUNDAMENTAL”

For the president of the Federation, it is crucial to maintain triathlon’s presence in the Games. “Sometimes, in national federations, we are not aware of the impact that being left out of the Olympic program would have,” he warns.

Looking toward the future, Hidalgo has a clear roadmap. “In five years, I want to look back and see what we have achieved: more resources for competition, better management, and opening up triathlon to everyone,” he concludes.

Latest News