|
|
HONG KONG TRIATHLON ASSOCIATION
|
|
|
Triathlon is a multi-sport event comprising the three traditional sports of swimming, cycling and running. Although similar events were held in the 19th century in France, it commonly accepted that the triathlon event was born in Hawaii in 1978, when the Ironman was first contested amongst a group of friends, to determine whether swimmers, cyclists or runners were the 'toughest'.
|
The Ironman is an awesome endurance challenge consisting of a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike and a full
marathon of 42km for the run. However, triathlons may be conducted over virtually any distance, some even longer than the Ironman, but the vast majority mercifully shorter. Indeed, a variety of different distances appeal to enthusiasts of different ages, athletic abilities and personal preference. IronKids (or UltraKids as we know it
in Hong Kong) triathlon aims at offering youngsters the opportunity to experience the challenge and joy of the sport over very short distances. The most popular distance of 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run is commonly known as the 'Olympic distance', since it was adopted as the official distance for triathlon competition in the Olympics. Triathlon debuted as a full medal sport at the Sydney Olympics in year 2000, where it was a showcase event.
The governing body of the sport on the world stage is the International Triathlon Union (ITU), which is also responsible for the related multi-sport events of Aquathon and Duathlon. Aquathon is a combination of swimming and running, whereas Duathlon combines cycling with running. The ITU sanctions two series of races around the world, in addition to World Championship events, which qualify for world ranking points. The primary series is called the World Cup series, whereas the ITU International Series provides a second tier.
Notwithstanding the role of ITU, the World Triathlon Corporation has jurisdiction over Ironman events
worldwide.
The Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) is the regional federation for the sport and comprises 13 member National Federations from China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Uzbekistan. The ASTC is actively seeking to expand its membership base and, in so doing, develop the sport throughout Asia. The ASTC sanctions the Asian Cup Series of races around Asia, in addition to Asian Championships events for triathlon, duathlon and aquathon.
The ASTC has also been seeking the inclusion of triathlon is various regional Games. Triathlon is now
programmed for its debut in the Asian Games in Doha in 2006 and has been accepted into the next All China Games. It is also possible that it may be featured in the next East Asian Games in Macau.
The Hong Kong Triathlon Association (HKTriA) is recognized by the SF&OC as the sole governing for triathlon in Hong Kong. It's membership, comprising both individuals and affiliated clubs, continues to growing rapidly as the sport gains wider appeal across the SAR. The HKTriA organizes a year round race calendar, including a series of duathlon races during winter, a series of aquathon rac es during the summer and a series of races for
children, called UltraKids, throughout the year, as well as an annual sprint triathlon and an annual Olympic distance international triathlon. It also organizes a year round Grass Roots Athlete Development Programme, including triathlon seminars and fun days, as well as beginners and intermediate level training courses.
Hong Kong triathletes have enjoyed considerable success in international competition over the last few years. As a result, triathlon has been accepted by the Hong Kong Sports Development Board (SDB) as one of the SAR's 13 Focus Sports, which benefit from greater funding for the development of Elite level athletes. Hong Kong's best triathletes, including Daniel Lee Chi Wo, Claire Murray, Ricco Chan Ye Ko, Samuel Leung Ching Yin, Christine Bailey, Nicole Rayson, Jill Fung Wai Man and Andrew Wright form the National Squad.
Meanwhile the Regional Squad is concerned with establishing a pool of younger talent from which the National Squad may draw its stars in years to come.
To find out more about triathlon, duathlon and aquathon in Hong Kong, please visit the web site of the HKTriA at http//:www.triathlon.com.hk or contact us via e-mail at
hktria@triathlon.com.hkor call us on 2504-8282.
* Information & photos provided by the National Sports Association
|
|
