World Triathlon

Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for Triathlon Coaches held at Sultanate of Muscat, Oman

Under the careful guidance of Franz Studer (Accredited ITU Level 1 Facilitator) the first ever Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for Triathlon Coaches in Oman was held from 13th to 18th December 2009.

Despite the torrential rains that claimed 10 lives over the week-end the course went ahead with 14 of the original 20 coaches being able to travel to the Sultanate of Muscat ,Oman.

This ITU Level 1 Community Coaching Course was being conducted over six (6) days with practical and theoretical components as well as an evaluation in the form of a written test and a practical presentation.

The Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, home to all Oman National Sports Federation and Federation Coaches, was the perfect venue for this course, offering excellent sporting and accommodation facilities all under one roof.

On the final day of the course, Friday, 18 December the first-ever Standard Distance triathlon in Oman will take place starting at 07:30 am.  50 to 70 athletes are expected to take part. 

Pre-entered for the event were the national teams of Oman, Bahrain and Thailand.

While some of the coaches in the course will participate in the event, the majority will officiate.  For the first time at a race in Oman bike checks will be conducted.

According to Franz, “Oman Triathlon Federation has serious plans to grow and develop the sport in the country and have already appointed a full time coach, Rob Barel from the Netherlands to coach their national team for the next 12 months.”

The 14 coaches attending the course come from different areas of the country and they will be involved in the long term plan to promote triathlon in their communities and institutions such as the Air Force, Navy and Royal Oman Police.

For more information on ITU Sport Development, please visit Development