World Triathlon President Antonio Arimany shared updates on a series of productive activities and events over the past month, highlighting key developments for triathlon in various regions. From the desert landscapes of Abu Dhabi to the snowy mountains of Italy, initiatives have focused on expanding triathlon’s global reach and strengthening its presence in the Olympic Movement.
A SUCCESSFUL START TO 2025 IN ABU DHABI
The 2025 Triathlon World Championship Series (WTCS) kicked off in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where the president addressed elite triathletes and paratriathletes during event briefings. The new venue on Hudayriat Island, dedicated to sports such as cycling, surfing and triathlon, provided an ideal setting for the start of the season. During the event, the president met with H.E. Aref Al Awani, secretary general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, to confirm the continuation of the WTCS Abu Dhabi event for the next four years.
The president also congratulated the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the National Federation for their efforts in growing triathlon in the region, highlighting the participation of hundreds of Emirati athletes in the open races. “This would have been unthinkable a few years ago,” Arimany noted, underlining the progress made in the Arab world and Africa, as discussed with Executive Committee representative Ahmed Nasser.
TRIATHLON IN BAHRAIN AND SENEGAL
A brief visit to Bahrain included meetings with the new president of the Bahrain National Federation, the secretary general of the National Olympic Committee and the Minister of Sports. Discussions focused on the possibility of organizing more international triathlon events in Manama and the creation of a triathlon training and development center in West Asia to nurture local talent.
In Dakar, Senegal, the president participated in the Africa International Sports Convention (CISA) and met with key figures, including Prince Fahad, president of Asia Triathlon, and Boubacar Gaye, president of the Senegalese Triathlon Federation. The focus was on promoting triathlon ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the development of local athletes. Meetings were also held with Dakar 2026 sport director Ibrahima Sy to discuss the triathlon event and its legacy at the Games.
WINTER TRIATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ITALY
The Winter Triathlon World Championships in Cogne, Italy, marked a significant milestone as the first world championships under the president’s leadership. The event highlighted the growth of winter triathlon, and plans were announced for a Winter Triathlon World Cup circuit next season, spanning several countries and continents. The President expressed his thanks to the Italian Triathlon Federation for its exceptional organization and highlighted the medium-term goal of including winter triathlon in the Winter Olympic Games program.
The Italian National Federation also organized a meeting with European National Federations as part of the Erasmus Sport+ “Tri4All” project, an initiative to promote triathlon in Europe. The president encouraged other federations to apply for similar grants, offering the support of World Triathlon.
TRIATHLON AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
In Lausanne, the president held key meetings with the IOC Sports Department to discuss venues and athlete quotas for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Along with IOC Member Marisol Casado, the president met with IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell to strengthen triathlon’s presence within the Olympic Movement. Discussions focused on improving triathlon’s visibility and participation in future Olympic Games.
The President concluded the month with a visit to Wollongong and Melbourne, Australia, accompanied by Sport Director Gergely Markus and Head of Commercial and Marketing Kris Gemmell. During meetings with AusTriathlon, the City of Wollongong and other key stakeholders, challenges related to the organization of the 2025 Triathlon World Championship Finals, to be held in Wollongong in October, were addressed. A new Local Organizing Committee (LOC), led by World Triathlon, was established to ensure the success of the event.
President Arimany expressed confidence in the collective efforts to grow triathlon globally, stating, “Together, TRIgether, we will make our sport even brighter.” These updates reflect a month of significant progress and collaboration, setting the stage for a successful year in triathlon.
