Search
shop

‘A force for good’ – British Tri chief lauds new formats like Arena Games

Andy Salmon delighted to see the sport reach wider and new audiences thanks to exciting additions
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

As the Arena Games returns this week, British Triathlon CEO Andy Salmon has welcomed the ways the sport is adapting to grow both participation and interest.

The Mixed Relay format at last year’s Olympics in Tokyo was a resounding success – and of course saw Team GB claim a thrilling gold medal.

Alex Yee was part of that quartet and he’ll be lining up for the Arena Games opener in Munich on Saturday.

Reflecting on that memorable Olympic moment, Salmon said: “You’re never quite sure what’s going to happen because they’d done the individual races just a few days earlier. But we had a really strong chance.

“So it was just fantastic to see them, all four of them, perform so brilliantly. But what was so pleasing for me was to see how the public reacted to that. So many people have said to me that they enjoyed the individual races and all the traditional Olympic races, but they were really touched by that Mixed Relay Triathlon.

Advertisement

‘Highlight of the year’

Olympic Games Mixed Relay Triathlon Tokyo 2020
One of the iconic images from Tokyo.

“So I think the format was a huge success and kudos to World Triathlon for getting that onto the Olympic program and to the IOC for allowing it onto the program. One of the core founding principles about sport is gender equality. And what better way to get that across to the public than for them to see two men and two women forming a team and beating the best athletes in the world to win a gold medal? It was a real highlight of the year.”

The Arena Games is also a groundbreaking concept. It came about as Super League Triathlon’s response to the global COVID pandemic and a month from now, the first World Triathlon Esports World Champions will be crowned.

Indeed the team at Super League have ambitions for the format to be considered for Olympic Games inclusion, “as early as 2028”.

‘Exciting formats’

So it’s no wonder that Salmon is full of praise for what Super League have already achieved – and the opportunities they are giving the likes of Yee and many others.

Salmon told TRI247: “We’re great friends with Super League and we think they’re a force for good in the sport.

“Our athletes, I think, would say the same, because it gives them another race opportunity. Let’s be honest, most of our athletes are not incredibly wealthy, like perhaps golfers or tennis players or footballers. So an additional opportunity to make an income is very welcome.

arena games london 2021 alex yee copyright super league triathlonarena games london 2021 alex yee copyright super league triathlon
Alex Yee in running action at the 2021 Arena Games in London (copyright Super League Triathlon).

“But it’s very much about the exciting formats, the broadcast quality – they’re all things we’re very, very positive about. And we were really pleased to see World Triathlon and Super League Triathlon partner in the Arena Games, and to have one of the races in London too is something we’re very positive about.

“As well as that, Super League are great partners and open to working with us so that that the event can be more than just a race on television for elite athletes.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...