British Triathlon has welcomed Helen Marney to the organisation as Director of Development, a role which will see her lead on growing grassroots participation, event engagement, supporting clubs and developing coaching and volunteering in triathlon.
Marney previously held the role of Director of Development at Yorkshire Sport Foundation, responsible for shaping vision, strategy, and leading on developing new partnerships to increase activity levels across the county.
Reflecting on her background in community sport, Marney said: “I’m blessed to have gained experience across a broad section of the community sport landscape. This has enabled me to deeply understand and value the unique power that sport has on the lives of people, communities and society.
“One area I’m particularly proud to have been a part of was to oversee a range of interventions to boost participation across a range of areas. Looking at clubs, coaches and volunteers, as well as school sport and children and young people, we worked with national governing bodies and community organisations to help get people active.”
Marney’s interest and engagement in sport goes way beyond just her work however: “As a junior and at university I competed to a national level for karate, winning many junior competitions. I also represented my county in 200m, transitioning up to 400m during my first year at university.
“As a result of injury, I focussed the rest of my time at university on karate however I am still involved in athletics as a member of a local running club looking to complete a marathon in 2020. I still take part in karate from time-to-time and am hoping that my daughter will pick it up so we can take part together.”
Heading into an Olympic and Paralympic year, Marney joins British Triathlon at an important time for the organisation, something she is looking forward to.
“I’m really excited to be joining British Triathlon at such a great time in the sport’s history,” Marney said. “At a local, national and international level there is so much good stuff going on and I feel privileged to be part of a team leading the development of the sport.
“I’m especially looking forward to playing a part in expanding the sport into new places and communities, enabling more people to take their first steps into triathlon with GO TRI and local clubs and events. I’m never shy of a challenge, so you may even see me on a triathlon start line with you as part of my marathon training.”
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO, said: “Helen brings with her a wealth of experience in community sport and sport development. She has a knowledge and understanding of community sport that can help us build on recent success to develop triathlon.
“This is a really exciting time for British Triathlon and the Home Nations as we strive to maintain and increase the growth of swim, bike, run; and we’re all looking forward to having Helen join us in this.”
