Wollongong, Australia – The World Triathlon XXXVIII Congress was held in Wollongong on 18 October, part of the extensive schedule of the five-day 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals. The first Congress under President Antonio F. Arimany, there were 112 National Federation members represented either in-person or online.
Mr Arimany opened proceedings by acknowledging both the achievements and challenges faced by the organisation over the last 12 months, during which World Triathlon has made significant strides to consolidate the sport, before introducing the new Secretary General Jon Wyatt for his first Congress with World Triathlon.
The President also emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue between members, affirming the integrity of the recent elections, and reflected on the important votes made during the gathering in Wollongong.
“We welcome feedback, but we must be constructive and contribute to the betterment of our sport. It is time to look ahead to the possibilities of the exciting new opportunities that we have been exploring over the past twelve months and to ensure we move forward as one. Our team has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months but as we all know, that work never stops.”
“I am pleased to see the support of the overwhelming majority of members as we pursue these new avenues. The opportunities are there for us to become a global leader in new sporting areas, but their success depends on the strength of our visions and our unity to implement them. To have seen such positivity among our membership is encouraging, so now we must continue to deliver.”
Mr Arimany also confirmed the legal experts who have been assigned with independently reviewing World Triathlon's Governance Rules and Regulations. Judge Jean Loup Chapelet and John Napier will be conducting this important review for the organisation, while the National Federation Survey will seek to provide further guidance to Members at a national level.
Secretary General Jon Wyatt presented the new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, outlining the mission to lead the sustainable growth of the triathlon and multisport community, while also exploring new and innovative opportunities. In addition, the Executive Board presented their annual report, and Financial Vice-President Shin Otsuka introduced the financial report, recommending greater investment into the growth of the sport. Jamie Gordon reported on behalf of the Audit, Risk and Integrity Committee.
New World Triathlon disciplines approved
Among the most significant points of order of the afternoon were the votes to approve two new disciplines - Fitness Racing and Swimrun - under the World Triathlon umbrella. Fitness Racing is the multi-sport competition format developed and pioneered by international fitness brand HYROX, and Swimrun adheres to the format of Swedish-originated Ötillö - translating as island-to-island - racing.
Both were approved by the overwhelming majority of Members and will see TRI becoming a leader in these innovative sporting environments. World Triathlon’s partnership with the PTO and current cooperation with the T100 Series have already provided examples of the desire to identify new opportunities ahead, work with private organisers and focus on becoming a more commercially driven organisation, ready and willing to engage with all stakeholders to drive the growth of triathlon and multisport disciplines around the world.
2026 World Triathlon calendar
World Triathlon Sport Director, Gergely Markus, presented a 2026 race calendar that welcomes exciting new host cities across the entire race suite, as well as kicking off the start of LA28 qualification. The Championship Series once again begins in Abu Dhabi, this time on the final weekend of March, before heading to the Uzbek city of Samarkand at the end of April. From there it is on to Yokohama (JPN) and a return to Alghero (ITA) before a new French WTCS course is unveiled in Quiberon in June.
In July, the legendary WTCS Hamburg - just confirmed as host of the 2027 Championship Finals - will again take place alongside the Mixed Relay World Championships, followed by the first Series race in London since 2015. Leading into the Championship Finals will be Weihai (CHN) and Karlovy Vary (CZE), with the Grand Final returning to beautiful Pontevedra in the north of Spain in late September. You can find all of the new stops of the calendar HERE.
Election Results of the Congress:
New member of the ARI Committee: Arwa Alamoudi (KSA)
New member of the Legal and Constitution Committee: Anette Bruras (NOR)
New member of the Women's Committee: Winston Crowther (SLE)
Appointment of Tribunal member proposed by the Executive Board: Approved
Election of Marisol Casado as Honorary President of World Triathlon: Approved
Congress also approved the addition of Timor-Leste and Albania as full Members, and for the inclusion of the Balkan Triathlon Association as an Associated Member. It was also approved by a majority to lift the suspension of Pakistan, and the expulsion of the inactive National Federations of British Virgin Islands, Seychelles and Myanmar.
