To celebrate International Women’s Day, World Triathlon is proud to recognise some of the incredible women who shape and strengthen our sport around the world.

Across this special series, we highlight women who embody the spirit of this year’s theme: Give to Gain. Through their leadership, mentorship and commitment to the global triathlon community, these women demonstrate that when we give our time, knowledge and support, we create opportunities for others to grow and thrive.

Because when we give, we gain. Together, we can help forge gender equality through abundant giving.

In this feature, we speak with Yelena Kun, Vice Chair of the World Triathlon Women’s Committee and a leader in the development of triathlon across Central Asia, whose work continues to open doors for women and girls in sport.

What does inclusive leadership in sport look like to you in 2026?
For me, inclusive leadership means that sport is open not only in words, but also in real opportunities. It means that a girl from a region has the same chance to enter sport as a girl from a big city. It also means that women in sport are not only athletes, but also coaches, technical specialists and leaders who make decisions.

In 2026, inclusive leadership is also the ability to listen. Leaders must understand different realities. In some regions the main issue is performance, while in others the issue is simply participation. In some countries we are still building a culture of women’s sport. This requires patience, respect for traditions and, at the same time, the courage to open new doors.

How can federations better support women and girls to enter and stay in triathlon?
First, access. If girls do not see a safe and supportive place to start sport, they may never try it. Community programmes, beginner clubs and a women friendly environment are very important.

Second, visibility. Girls need to see role models. When they see women racing, coaching and leading federations, they begin to believe that this space also belongs to them.

Third, long-term support. Many girls leave sport not because they lack talent, but because life becomes more complicated. Education, family expectations and financial barriers can all play a role. Federations need to create flexible pathways so that women can return to sport, stay involved and continue their journey.

In our region we have also learned that sometimes the first step is simply to give women a safe place to train together. From there, everything else can grow.

What progress have you seen in gender equity during your career?
Looking at the bigger picture over the past decades, women in leadership positions in sport were still quite rare. Decision-making roles were mostly held by men, and the path for women to leadership was not always clear.

Today the situation is changing. We see more women working in international committees and taking part in the governance of sport. We see more female technical specialists at competitions, and we also see more structured programmes that support women’s participation and leadership.

Another important change is that women themselves are becoming role models. When women take leadership positions, they make the path more visible and clearer for the next generation. This example and support are very important.

There is still a long way to go, but the direction is clearly moving forward.

What legacy do you hope to leave for future female leaders in sport?
I hope that the next generation of women will not have to spend their energy proving that they belong in leadership.

My goal is to help create systems where talented women can move forward naturally, where they feel supported, prepared and confident to lead.

If in ten or twenty years a young woman from Central Asia becomes a Federation President, a coach of an Olympic champion, or a leader in international sport governance and she feels that this path was always open to her, that would be the legacy I hope to leave.

This International Women’s Day, World Triathlon celebrates the women who continue to shape our sport through leadership, mentorship and action. Because when one woman gives, the entire community gains.

Across this series, led by World Triathlon and the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, we celebrate the women whose contributions continue to shape a more inclusive, supportive and equitable future for triathlon worldwide.