IOC rejects bid to include relay triathlon in Rio 2016

ITU's Casado pledges to keep campaigning for Olympic status

Published: August 22, 2013 at 2:59 pm

The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided against adding relay triathlon to Rio 2016, pointing to the extra costs involved.

The decision was made in Lausanne last month as part of a general decision not to consider any changes that would result in a higher number of athletes or increased number of medals compared to previous Games.

Describing the decision as "disappointing", Marisol Casado, President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU), said that the IOC's decision will not stop efforts to add Mixed Relay to future Olympic programmes.

"Perfect for the Olympics"

"The Mixed Relay World Championships in Hamburg was our most successful to date in terms of both athlete enjoyment and spectator engagement," said Casado. "It’s dynamic, team-oriented nature is perfect for the Olympics, and we will continue campaigning for its inclusion."

Star British triathlete Jodie Stimpson also expressed regret at the IOC's decision, telling 220 Triathlon: "The IOC's decision not to have the relay in the Rio Olympics is quite devastating really as it's such a great and exciting event and so different to the Olympic-distance triathlon."

Photo: Delly Carr / ITU

Stimpson with the Lausanne 2011 Mixed Relay-winning team
(Photo: Delly Carr / ITU)

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