Mads Freund, current President of Triathlon Denmark (the Danish Triathlon Federation), has announced his candidacy for President of World Triathlon.
The World Triathlon Presidential election will take during the World Triathlon Congress in Torremolinos, Spain, on October 21, 2024. The current President, Marisol Casado, who has been at the helm for 16 years and is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is not seeking re-election.
The candidates vying for the position of World Triathlon President are:
- Debbie Alexander (RSA)
- Antonio Alvarez (MEX)
- Antonio Arimany (ESP)
- Michelle Cooper (AUS)
- Mads Freund (DEN)
- Ian Howard (GBR)
- Shin Otsuka (JPN)
- Tamas Toth (HUN)
Mads Freund, a lifelong triathlete and experienced sports administrator, is campaigning on a platform of ‘Together. Thriving. Triathlon’, is… ‘promising a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on member support, business development, and innovative leadership.’
“Triathlon is at a pivotal moment,” said Freund. “While we celebrate the success of the 2024 Olympic Games, we must also adapt to become a more mature and member-focused organization.
“We need to empower our federations, embrace new business models, and ensure a thriving future for all levels of our sport.”
Freund’s campaign centres on three key pillars:
- Driving Tailor-Made Support for Members: Prioritizing the needs of smaller triathlon nations through increased funding, tailored programs, and a more inclusive development strategy.
- Driving a New Market-Oriented Business Model: Transitioning World Triathlon into a proactive leader by embracing data-driven decision making, leveraging strategic partnerships, and exploring innovative formats and revenue streams.
- Driving an Open-Minded Executive Board: Cultivating an open and entrepreneurial culture within World Triathlon, encouraging collaboration and exchanges, and prioritizing the needs of athletes and member federations.
Under Freund’s leadership, Triathlon Denmark has become a leading voice for sustainability and innovation within World Triathlon.
He played a key role in the organization’s recent rebranding and has been advocating for fair election rules and a more inclusive strategic plan.
“I’m running for President to make World Triathlon a more open organisation,” Freund added. “My plan is to create a more involved and organic structure where more voices are heard, more ideas are shared and we can react in the best possible way for our sport.”
