British Triathlon scooped a national award in recognition of its approach to increasing female participation and raising the profile of women in triathlon. The Women’s Sport Trust presented the National Governing Body of the Year Award to British Triathlon at a glitzy event in London last night, 11 May.

The Women’s Sport Trust hosted their #BeAGameChanger Awards with winners across 12 categories being announced for their outstanding contribution to women’s sport.

British Triathlon is delighted to win the National Governing Body of the Year and is indebted to the backing and support received from clubs, event organisers and the triathlon community in highlighting our work in promoting women’s participation.

Traditionally, triathlon has been a male-dominated sport, with three men to every one woman choosing to participate. However, specific interventions such as GO TRI have helped re shape this and the key areas recognised by The Women’s Sport Trust were:

• GO TRI having 50% male : 50% female participation;
• 31% of qualified triathlon coaches are female (compared to around 10% in elite sport);
• Largest growth area for membership being 50+ women;
• Women now make up 53% of British Triathlon staff;
• 4.3m viewers tuned in to see Vicky Holland’s bronze medal moment in Rio (compared to 4.4m for the men’s race);
• Successful delivery of women-only waves at large scale iconic events;
• Workshops geared towards inspiring female participation, be that as a participant, coach, official or volunteer.

British Triathlon Women’s Participation lead, Jenny Vincent, received the award on stage from England Rugby star, Maggie Alphonsi MBE. Jenny said: “I’m excited to have been able to accept the award on behalf of British Triathlon. It’s great to see our hard work recognised on a night that celebrates brilliant role models and initiatives across women’s sport.”

Jack Buckner, Chief Executive also added: “I’m delighted we have won the NGB of the year at the Women’s Sport Trust #BeAGameChanger Awards. It’s a tribute to the amazing work by our staff and volunteers. We’ve worked so hard to develop our sport for women of all ages and fitness level. We are still a relatively new sport, and there is a lot more we can still do.”

Find out more: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/thisgirlcan.