Triathlon England have announced that Debbie Clarke will immediately take on the role of interim Chair of the board.

Clarke will step into the role after Bill James was announced as Chair of British Triathlon. She has been involved in the sport since 2009 and progressed to be an Age Group athlete, representing Great Britain at a number of international events.

She previously held the role of Chair of the London region committee for Triathlon England and has been a member the committee since 2015.

Clarke also dedicates her time to charity work and has supported a charity for homeless women and volunteers for Crisis during the Christmas period.

Clarke joined the Triathlon England board in 2018 and of her new appointment said: “I am delighted and honoured to be able to take on the role of interim chair of Triathlon England. Whilst I love training and racing for multisport events, triathlon is so much more to me, it is a family. Whilst we are in difficult times I am confident we can support our triathlon family and emerge stronger and prepared for the future.”

Andy Salmon, British Triathlon Chief Executive, said: “I want to welcome Debbie [Clarke] to the position of Interim Chair of Triathlon England and I look forward to working with her. In addition to her extensive business and leadership background, she brings with her a considerable understanding of the sport at club, regional and Age Group level and I know that she will help us navigate this uncertain time for the sport.”