The XXXVIII World Triathlon Congress was held in Wollongong, Australia, this Saturday, October 18, with the participation of delegates from more than 130 national federations. It was not just another General Assembly, but a key event in which new members, strategic plans and budgets were approved, along with internal elections conducted under a common denominator: transparency.
“This Congress proves that our elections have been carried out with every guarantee.” Antonio Arimany, president of World Triathlon, stated clearly that the votes were conducted through the Lumi system, a certified and audited electronic method that ensures traceability and immediate counting, minimizing any margin of error or suspicion. These are facts, not empty words, and that is why World Triathlon is a model to follow.
Transparency backed by external auditors
One of the key points was the financial review. The 2024 financial statements and the 2025 budget received approval following an external audit by PwC, which found no irregularities and issued a positive report. The backing was overwhelming: 129 votes in favor, none against and no abstentions. For Arimany, it was “an unequivocal demonstration that every figure and every decision can be explained without the slightest doubt.” One more proof.
The reports of the Audit, Risk and Integrity Committee were also approved, as well as the renewal of auditors for 2026, ensuring the continuity of independent oversight. These processes show that World Triathlon not only complies with internal standards, but also submits itself to internationally recognized external evaluations.
Clean and open elections
The Congress renewed key bodies such as the Audit Committee, the Legal and Constitution Committee, the Women’s Committee and the Technical Committee. All votes were public, verified by scrutineers and tellers appointed by the delegates themselves, and controlled through Lumi. To this day, no more effective or transparent method exists.
The results reflected clear support, such as the 90 votes obtained by Arimany in the 2024 presidential elections compared to 29 and 19 for his rivals, or the majorities in the committees, where in several cases candidates received over one hundred votes. “The scrutiny was clean, open and monitored at all times by the corresponding committees,” the president stressed.
World Triathlon, internationally recognized
Governance was another pillar of the Congress. The organization announced that two independent experts will review the internal rules to continue updating the constitution. In addition, it was recalled that ASOIF has ranked World Triathlon among the top federations in its biennial good governance assessment.
Arimany closed the day with a firm message: “The world is watching us, and we must be an example.” With external audits, certified electronic systems and control processes that guarantee neutrality, the Wollongong Congress showed that transparency is not just a principle but a constant practice in World Triathlon — and that is why it is a benchmark.
