Former Chair and President of British Triathlon, Ian Howard, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List, recognising his immeasurable contribution to the growth of the sport domestically and internationally.
Former Chair and President of British Triathlon, Ian Howard, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List, recognising his immeasurable contribution to the growth of the sport domestically and internationally.
Having taken part in the first British Championships in June 1983, Ian has witnessed and been involved in the development of the sport in Britain, seeing it develop from its humble origins into the renowned sport that it is today, 40 years on.
He regularly represented the Great Britain Age-Group Team in the 1990s and 2000s, with Ian’s experience as a solicitor and within Siemens’ world-wide business leading to him being appointed as Independent Board Member for Business and Legal Affairs on the newly created British Triathlon Board in 2007.
He was subsequently named as Deputy Chair of the Board and, from 2007-2012, helped create a robust and sustainable financial and administrative basis from which international performance could develop as the home Olympic Games approached in London. This period also saw British Triathlon win ‘Governing Body of the Year’ at the British Industry Sport Awards in 2010 and 2012.
In 2012, with the aim of inspiring children and families to become more active and living healthier lives through triathlon, the Triathlon Trust was established with Ian one of the three founding trustees.
Ian was appointed Chair and President of British Triathlon from 2013-2019, with sustained growth in participation and profile of triathlon during his tenure. As British Triathlon celebrates its 40th anniversary, much of the growth and success over the past 15 years can be drawn back to the work that Ian has been involved in which has underpinned and allowed athletes of all levels to access the sport and excel in it.
Elite medal success for British athletes also became common-place during his time as Chair and President thanks to the likes of Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, Vicky Holland and Non Stanford, whilst the addition of paratriathlon to the Paralympic Games in 2016 brought rise to paratriathlon success and disability participation in swim, bike, run.
ParalympicsGB won four medals in paratriathlon’s debut Games, success that has continued for the likes of Lauren Steadman and following Rio, Claire Cashmore and Dave Ellis.
Ian’s impact stretches beyond Great Britain however, as he has also held positions such as Vice President of the Europe Triathlon (2023-16), World Triathlon Board Member (2016-present), and currently serves as President of the Association of Commonwealth Triathlon National Federations and Vice President of World Triathlon.
In these roles he champions the sport around the world, with the breadth of field at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham a testament to his passion for growing triathlon and paratriathlon internationally.
Ian’s legacy from his time leading British Triathlon can still be seen today following the success at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, the hosting of a World Triathlon Championship Series and World Triathlon Para Series event, and the success witness on the international stage by Age-Group and elite athletes alike.
Reflecting on his award, Ian Howard MBE, commented: “I was both surprised and honoured when I received the letter informing me that I was to be appointed MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
“The roles I’ve had and the work that I and so many others have put in over the years has not been about getting recognition, but about helping to grow a sport that has come to mean more to me than I could possibly have imagined.
“When you are thanked for something you enjoy, whether it’s by the King or someone within your community, it brings with it an additional sense of joy in the work you do.
“The award has also given me cause to look back on the exciting journey and the great people I’ve worked alongside. I’m delighted to accept this MBE alongside so many other names and champions in their respective areas who have been recognised on the Honours List.”
Speaking about Ian being appointed MBE, Bill James, British Triathlon Chair, said: “I’ve known Ian for a number of years now and this award is a well-earned recognition of the commitment, time and energy that he has put in to growing our sport.”
“He’s played a vital role in making triathlon the sport it is today in this country not only in leading the British Triathlon Board, but the global family has also benefited from his skill and dedication as a result of his time spent on the World Triathlon Board and currently as Vice President.”
“To be recognised in this way speaks volumes, but from me and the whole triathlon community, I would like to add a huge thank you and well done Ian.”
