World Triathlon welcomed National Federations to the latest Members Open Hours, providing important governance updates, strategic direction, and a comprehensive overview of the Olympic Qualification System for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The session reinforced World Triathlon’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and supporting its global membership network.
Welcome & Presidential Update
World Triathlon President Antonio F. Arimany opened the session with a global update on governance, partnerships, and strategic priorities.
The triathlon family remembered Winston D. C. Crowther, President of the Sierra Leone National Federation and member of the TRI Women’s Committee, honouring his contribution to the sport’s development.
Welcome to Newly Elected Federation Leaders
The community also welcomed newly elected National Federation Presidents:
- Thomas Vanderlynden, President of Belgian Triathlon
- Hood Alnabhani, Chairman of the Oman Triathlon Federation
- Natasja Batenburg, Interim President of the Nederlandse Triathlon
- Kristifor Mancu, President of Serbian Triathlon
- Simon Brunovský, President of the Slovak Triathlon Union
Executive Board & Strategic Progress
Members were informed of two recent Executive Board meetings (December in person, January virtual), with key outcomes including
- IOC approval of the Olympic Qualification Criteria for LA28
- Continued collaboration with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO)
- Memorandum of Understanding signed in Doha
- Ongoing contract discussions in London (February) and Lausanne (March)
- T100 rule updates ahead of the 2026 season
World Triathlon also confirmed
- Staff Annual Meeting held in Marrakech (13–16 January 2026)
- Implementation of the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan
- Launch of a new organisational structure
- Team-building initiatives to strengthen operational delivery
In recognition of her leadership and the Seine clean-up legacy following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, immediate past World Triathlon President Marisol Casado was awarded the Grande Vermeil Medal by the City of Paris.
Upcoming World Triathlon Events
Members were reminded of major upcoming 2026 events across all competition formats, including:
- 2026 World Triathlon Winter Triathlon & Duathlon Championships – Padola (ITA)
- 2026 World Triathlon Cup – Lanzarote (ESP), Haikou (CHN)
- 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour – Gold Coast (AUS)
- 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series – Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- 2026 World Triathlon Para Series – Devonport (AUS)
- 2026 World Triathlon Para Cup – Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cups – Bridgetown (BAR), Salinas (PUR), Palau (PLW)
Member Obligations for 2026
National Federations were reminded of their statutory obligations, including
- Promoting and developing triathlon in their country
- Compliance with the World Triathlon Constitution, Rules and Regulations
- Submission before 1 May 2026 of:
- Congress/General Assembly reports
- Approved 2025 financial report and budget
- 2025 National Survey
- Annual Membership Fee (USD 300)
- Maintaining membership within their Continental Confederation
XXXIX World Triathlon Congress
The 39th World Triathlon Congress will take place in:
- Location: Sanxenxo City (Pontevedra), Spain
- Venue: Hotel Carlos I Silgar
- Date: Wednesday, 23 September
- Format: Hybrid
- Nearest Airport: Vigo
TRI Committees and Commissions meetings will follow on 24–25 September. Visa applications should commence ASAP for all attending and Hotel reservations for delegates can be arranged via: triathlon@viajeseci.es
LA28 Olympic Qualification System Explained
A detailed presentation was delivered by
- Gergely Markus, World Triathlon Sport Director
- Enrique Quesada, World Triathlon Results Director
The qualification system, approved by the IOC, is built on the principles of
- Participation of the best athletes
- Universality
- Fair access to qualification events
- Inclusion of continental pathways
- Multiple opportunities to qualify
Key Highlights
- Qualification Period: 18 May 2026 – 18 May 2028
- 55 total quota places
- Maximum of 2 per gender per NOC (or 3 if criteria met)
- Mixed Relay qualification linked to team quotas
- Introduction of two “New Flag” pathways to promote universality
Possible Qualification Pathways
- Host Country (USA) allocation
- Mixed Relay World Champions (2026 & 2027)
- Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Ranking
- Individual Olympic Qualification Ranking (21 places)
- Universality Places (Tripartite Commission)
- Continental Games “New Flag” pathway (5 places – 1 per continent)
- World Triathlon Rankings “New Flag” pathway
Detailed ranking structures for both Individual and Mixed Relay qualification were presented, including scoring systems, event tiers, continental championships, and Games allocations.
All official documentation is available on the World Triathlon Development website via the links below.
- 11 February Presentation
- Webinar Recording (English)
- Webinar Recording (French)
- Webinar Recording (Spanish)
Members Virtual Open Hours 2026 Schedule
Members are invited to join upcoming sessions
- 15 April – 09:30 & 16:30 CEST
- 17 June – 09:30 & 16:30 CEST
- 23 September – XXXIX World Triathlon Congress, Pontevedra-Sanxenxo
- October/November – TBC
- 9 December – 09:30 & 16:30 CET