The global triathlon community has been rocked by a scandal of unprecedented proportions. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed that corruption played a significant role in the most recent World Triathlon elections, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the process.
The elections, which saw Spain’s Antonio Fernández Arimany succeed Marisol Casado after her 12-year tenure as World Triathlon President, were already the subject of behind-the-scenes whispers. Allegations of internal manipulation and targeted smear campaigns circulated at the time, with several candidates reportedly discredited through strategic media leaks. However, the source of those attacks remained hidden – until now.
According to the CAS ruling, a predetermined ‘favorites list’ influenced the outcome of the elections. Delegates have since come forward, admitting they were pressured – some heavily – to vote in line with this list. In some cases, candidates were even encouraged to withdraw, with alternative incentives offered in exchange. The long-held belief that each national federation casts an independent, democratic vote has been thoroughly dismantled by these revelations.
The findings indicate that a small, concentrated group has effectively seized control over World Triathlon’s leadership, bypassing fair electoral procedures and silencing legitimate opposition.
What happens next remains uncertain. Calls for new elections are growing louder, and the pressure for the current leadership to step aside is mounting. On paper, a full re-election process appears to be the only viable solution to restore credibility and trust in the organization.
