World Triathlon is strengthening its network of technical officials globally with two World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 1 Seminars held in July 2025, aimed at enhancing officiating standards ahead of key regional events.
From 2 to 3 July, a group of local officials gathered to advance their skills through the World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 1 Seminar – Koror 2025, Palau. Building on their prior completion of the Community Level Course, eight participants—over 60% of whom were women—took part in this seminar hosted by the Palau National Federation. The presence of the NF president Leah Gillham, who also joined as a student, alongside the Technical Delegate of the upcoming Pacific Mini Games, underscored the importance of this training. The certification will enable these officials not only to competently officiate at the Pacific Mini Games but also to support and elevate local triathlon events for years to come.
“The successful delivery of the 3 days of triathlon events at the 2025 PMG Palau was a result of many months of preparations by our NF. Jacqui’s excellent delivery of the level 1 TO certification course was definitely critical in this regard, especially as our Local TO’s were then fully equipped to step in their official roles and responsibilities during the races . As the Sports Competition Manager for the Pacific Mini Games triathlon events, I also wanted to attend the training and complete the course. So while I couldn't carry out a formal technical official role, the training meant I had a very clear understanding of the key technical aspects. I believe this extra knowledge across our team enabled a very effective event delivery, while enjoying ourselves as well. Everything all came together seamlessly in those three days as we worked together as a team under the leadership and guidance of Stephen Damian as technical delegate . We are truly grateful for the hard work and support from our Oceania triathlon family and would not have been able to do it without them.” - Leah Gillham (PLW), President, Belau Triathlon Federation
“In early July 2025 I conducted a TRI L1 TO Course in Palau. This was my second visit to Palau, with the first one being in January 2025 as more of a planning and support trip leading in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. We have 8 enthusiastic attendees from Palau who completed the Community Course and the TRI L1 course with me. They are an inspiring team of people who were fully committed to participating and learning as much as they could leading into the Mini Games. They were fully engaged and also very supporting of each other in the course. I did focus a little more on the elements that related to the effective officiating and support of the Pacific Mini Games, with less focus on age group participating. They understood this and all passed their exam and their field of play assessments. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to train and work with this wonderful group in Palau.” - Jacqui Kenny (AUS), TRI Facilitator & Oceania Development Coordinator
“One of the most rewarding training experiences I’ve had was participating in the Technical Officials training for Triathlon, held in Palau in preparation for the Pacific Mini Games. The program was facilitated and supported by two highly experienced and respected officials in the sport – Jacqui Kenny and Stephen Damien – whose expertise, mentorship, and passion for triathlon greatly enriched the training.” - Marie Jane Belleza-Salvador (PLW), TO
A few days later, from 5 to 6 July, Kyrgyzstan, hosted the World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 1 Seminar – Bishkek 2025, delivered in Russian to accommodate officials with prior local officiating experience. This seminar brought together 21 participants from Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, with a remarkable 76% female representation. The course combined theoretical knowledge and practical training, preparing these officials to serve as Technical Delegates at national events and Technical Officials at continental competitions, further improving the professional approach of the sport’s governance in the region.
“Happy to see a new batch of experienced TOs from KGZ & AZE getting their TO L1 Certificate. And thank you KGZ NF, Alexander and Kamilya for helping in delivering this seminar. And congratulations Kamilya on officially delivering your first seminar as a facilitator” - Firas Al-Hmood (JOR), AST Continental Coordinator
“Machine translation can be funny sometimes! Eventually, the term “tread water” was translated into “walk on the water” 🙂” - Alexander Kochetkov (LTU), TRI Facilitator
The World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 1 course spans a day and a half, offering a comprehensive foundation in officiating skills essential for the smooth and fair conduct of triathlon competitions globally. These education initiatives reflect World Triathlon’s ongoing commitment to growing the quality and capacity of officials worldwide, ensuring high standards of event management, athlete support and event safety.
