Youth Olympic Games

Nanjing, China (24 April 2012) - Representatives from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) are in Nanjing conducting its first site visit in preparation for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.  In conjunction with the visit, ITU has also confirmed its Technical Delegate (TD) for the Games will be Shanelle Barrett, the first New Zealander to be appointed TD of a triathlon competition at an Olympics or Youth Olympics. 

Barrett is in Nanjing with Gergely Markus, ITU's Sport Director, who also served as ITU's TD for the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010, and Qin Jianqui from the Chinese Triathlon Sports Association.

ITU's delegation will be meeting with the Sports and Venue Department of the Nanjing Organising Committee (NYOGOC) to begin discussions on the proposed venue and course, training sites, as well as competition schedule and potential test events in the lead-up to the Games.  Also expected to be covered in the two-day visit is an overview of the organisational structure of organising committee and the timeline on the appointment of a competition manager.

ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado, who has already been in Nanjing twice as part of her role on the IOC's Coordination Commission, and has been impressed with the early preparation she's seen so far in Nanjing.

"Having been part of the early IOC visits, I'm confident Nanjing will deliver a wonderful Games in 2014, and this visit by ITU's Sport department marks the first steps toward a highly successful triathlon competition," said Casado. "We believe the Youth Olympic Games can inspire the world's youth and will bring about a new generation of triathlon champions."

Barrett, who will take on her first role as TD of a Major Games, is excited to begin the road to Nanjing 2014.

"It is a huge honour to receive this position for this level of event and I am really looking forward to working on the event with ITU," said Barrett.  "I believe that the Youth Olympics is a fantastic way for young athletes to get a taste of racing at the highest level in sport but in a friendly environment. I will enjoy working with the team to create an event that the athletes will remember and will no doubt give the future Olympians a stepping stone to reach their higher goals."

ITU Technical Delegates at Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games:
Sydney 2000 - Loreen Barnett (CAN)
Athens 2004 - Michel Gignoux (FRA) & Loreen Barnett (CAN)
Beijing 2008 - Gergely Markus (HUN) & Enrique Quesada (ESP)
Singapore 2010 YOG - Gergely Markus (HUN)
London 2012 - Leslie Buchanan (CAN) & Thanos Nikopoulos (GRE)
Nanjing 2014 YOG - Shanelle Barrett (NZL)