October saw three World Triathlon Para triathlon development initiatives take place in Croatia, the Republic of Korea and Türkiye, with a focus on athlete performance, technical education and classification.
Opatija Para Triathlon Development Camp
Para triathlon coaching received an education boost in October with a week-long programme of physiological testing, technical sessions and coaching at the 2026 Opatija Europe Triathlon – World Triathlon Para Development Camp in Croatia. Hosted by Clinic Thalassotherapia Opatija, the camp brought together athletes, coaches and sports science specialists to explore how physiological assessments can be used to better understand individual athlete needs and inform training programmes.
The athletes completed a series of assessments, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), pulmonary function assessments and muscle strength evaluations. The testing provided an opportunity to examine individual physiological characteristics and consider how the results could be applied to training adaptations, performance monitoring and athlete development.
Exercise Physiologist and World Triathlon Facilitator Kristina Skroce (CRO) worked alongside former professional cyclist Brian Kamstra and World Triathlon Facilitator Neil Mac Leod (ITA) to explore the results and their application to Para triathlon.
The programme also included theoretical and practical sessions covering the technical aspects of Para triathlon, allowing athletes and coaches to examine the demands of the sport both in and out of competition. An important outcome of the camp was the opportunity to bring together physiological testing and practical coaching knowledge. The information gathered will provide a starting point for further investigation into the relationship between disability and triathlon performance, and how a better understanding of individual differences can help inform athlete preparation.
World Triathlon and Europe Triathlon would like to thank Dr Viktor Peršić, Director of Clinic Thalassotherapia Opatija, and his staff for hosting the camp and providing their expertise and facilities.
This development camp serves as a foundation for ongoing research into the impact of disability on triathlon performance, supporting evidence-based athlete development and the continued growth of Para triathlon.
Iksan Para Triathlon Classification Course
The 2026 Iksan World Triathlon Para Classification Course took place in the Republic of Korea, with eight participants attending. Women represented 25% of the group.
The course was also attended by the President, Secretary General and Manager of the Korean Para Triathlon Federation, as well as the Chair of the Classification Board. Their participation provided an opportunity for the Korean Para Triathlon Federation to be involved in the classification education programme and support the continued development of para triathlon in Korea.
“The Korean people, both from KPT and participants, are both humble and very cheerful. The group over the three days grew together and created a constructive and open working environment.” - Anja Swoboda (GER), TRI Facilitator
“Thank you so much for teaching us with such passion and dedication over the past three days. Through your classes and by meeting the athletes in person, I realised how deeply interested and passionate I am about Para sport. I will remember what you taught me for a long time, and I hope to become someone who can truly contribute in the field. Thank you again for everything.” - Mi Lim Seong (KOR), Participant
Alanya Para Triathlon Classification Course
The 2026 Alanya World Triathlon Para Classification Course was held in Türkiye from 20–23 October, providing further opportunities to develop Para classification knowledge and expertise.
World Triathlon will continue to work with its Continental Confederations and NF's to develop the knowledge, coaching and technical expertise needed to support the growth of Para triathlon.
