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World Triathlon stands in absolute solidarity with the Ukraine triathlon family and the entire country at this time of grave international crisis. Following the recommendation by the International Olympic Committee, World Triathlon Executive Board has unanimously decided not to allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes or officials in all international competitions or official events, following the principles of the Olympic Charter. This decision will be reviewed by the Executive Board at its monthly meetings in accordance with how the situation evolves.
This extreme measure is taken to protect the integrity and safety of all athletes participating in the events and the integrity of the global sports competitions.
Regarding the recommendation of the IOC not to organise any sports events in Russia or Belarus, World Triathlon had previously suspended the Russian Triathlon Federation, due to the high number of doping cases, in December 2021 for one year, and no events were permitted to take place in the country in 2022. World Triathlon strongly condemns the actions against Ukraine taken by Russia, through which the Russian government also breaches the Olympic Truce.
World Triathlon will work with Ironman and Challenge in order for them to follow these recommendations as well.
World Triathlon has contacted all National Federations, especially those closest to Ukraine or bordering the country, as well as Europe Triathlon, to help coordinate our support to Ukrainian athletes, coaches, officials and staff.
World Triathlon has set up an email account (welcome@triathlon.org) where members of the Triathlon community in Ukraine who are leaving the country or willing to do so, can reach out to find families in other countries that are able to host them. The email address is also available for all prospective host persons anywhere in the world who can offer their support to those fleeing Ukraine. World Triathlon will keep all contacts confidential but will help to put the parties in touch with each other.
World Triathlon and Europe Triathlon are coordinating support for those in need in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian athletes and entourage who are abroad and either looking for support while unable to return to their country, or to relocate near the border awaiting further development of the situation. World Triathlon has already received more than 60 offers of assistance from all over the world from individuals, clubs and Federations offering help, and we are already in touch with some Ukrainian athletes and entourage that have requested this support.
World Triathlon has contacted the IOC task force monitoring the situation to offer our help to coordinate humanitarian assistance to members of the Olympic Community in Ukraine – and more specifically the Ukrainian triathlon family – where possible. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine and how it affects our community and events in the region. Athletes, officials, coaches, staff and the TriathlonLive support personal based in Ukraine… you all have all our support and we stand with you in these terrible times. Stay safe and take care.
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