World Triathlon is preparing for a significant change in leadership following the presidential elections, scheduled for October 21, 2024 in Torremolinos, Spain. After 16 years of great leadership under Spain’s Marisol Casado, who assumed the presidency in 2008, the international triathlon federation faces a new era with six candidates vying to lead the body. Among the most prominent candidates is Antonio Arimany, current Secretary General of World Triathlon, a key figure in the evolution of the organization and who has received the public support of two former candidates in these same elections.

Casado’s retirement marks the end of an era for World Triathlon. Her legacy includes being a founding member of the International Triathlon Union, which was subsequently renamed World Triathlon in 2021, as well as her role in various leadership roles at the international level, including membership on the International Olympic Committee. The future of triathlon now rests in the hands of the candidates, who represent a wide diversity of regions and backgrounds.

ANTONIO ARIMANY: A LEADER WITH EXPERIENCE AND VISION

One of the leading contenders for the World Triathlon presidency is Antonio Arimany, the organization’s current Secretary General. Arimany has been a central figure in the structure of world triathlon for more than a decade, playing a crucial role in the administration and growth of the sport. His experience as Secretary General has given him an in-depth knowledge of the federation’s operations, as well as a clear vision of the areas requiring improvement.

With a focus on the modernization and globalization of triathlon, Arimany has been a strong advocate for innovation in the sport. Under his leadership as Secretary General, World Triathlon has embraced new technologies and promoted the inclusion of mixed competitions, as well as the development of the sport in emerging regions. Arimany stands as a strong candidate, with a platform that seeks to consolidate the progress made during Casado’s presidency and take triathlon to new heights.

Antonio Arimany.

In addition, the candidacy has recently been strengthened by the support of Japan’s Shin Otsuka and Mexico’s Antonio Alvarez, both of whom began the election race as candidates and have now indicated that they will vote for Arimany.

INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES AND A COMPETITIVE ELECTION

Along with Antonio Arimany, five other candidates are running for the World Triathlon presidency. The list includes South Africa’s Debbie Alexander, who has served as the organization’s vice president since 2020, Australia’s Michelle Cooper, Denmark’s Mads Freund, Great Britain’s Ian Howard and Hungary’s Tamas Toth. All of them have presented ambitious proposals, backed by their respective National Federations, which seek to ensure the continued growth of triathlon globally.

These elections will not only determine who will be the next president of World Triathlon, but also the direction the sport will take in the coming years. The growing popularity of triathlon around the world, coupled with the inclusion of new technologies and sustainability policies, makes this a crucial time for the future of the discipline. Each of the candidates brings a unique vision, but all agree on the need to continue promoting triathlon as an accessible and inclusive sport.