World Triathlon offers US$100,000 to support athletes on road to Tokyo

Twenty-three triathletes and Para triathletes from 11 different countries will receive support from World Triathlon to “help them compete at Continental and World level (events) over the Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Period.” The money will be directed to competitors from “National Federations with the greatest needs.”

The support fund of US$100,000 will see each of the 23 athletes receive $3,000 to help cover travel expenses to qualifying events. The remaining $31,000 will be distributed to the same athletes based on “the number and length of journeys the athletes made over the period.”

“As an organization, we are committed to supporting our athletes in every possible way,” says World Triathlon President and IOC member, Marisol Casado. “The pandemic has had a massive impact not only on their access to training and competitions, but also to travel and resources. Establishing these types of funds will be a big help to some of them on their road to Tokyo. It is our duty to provide opportunities to race and compete, but it is also our duty to work closely with National Federations and the National Olympic and Paralympic Committees to identify the specific needs of athletes and try to help and continue supporting them throughout their road to the Olympics or Paralympics.”

There were 28 applications for the fund from 14 different countries for athletes trying to qualify for the Olympic or Paralympic Games in Tokyo this summer. Here’s a list of the successful candidates: