As part of last weekend's 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea, British Triathlon and World Triathlon hosted the second International Para Triathlon Conference.

The World Triathlon Para Series in Swansea provided a huge boost to paratriathlon on a global scale as the city hosted three successful events for beginners, seasoned participants and elite athletes alongside the Para Triathlon Conference. 

Following adverse weather conditions, the Super Series and the elite event were changed to aquathlons but that did not stop paratriathletes from putting some of the finest racing on show in the swim and the run. 

The weekend also provided an opportunity for Swansea to host the International Para Triathlon Conference for the second year running after successful outcomes from last year’s inaugural event. 

Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO said: “Despite the change in the event format due to the weather, it was still a fantastic day celebrating all that makes paratriathlon great, from people giving it a go for the first time, up and coming paratriathletes and then the world’s best competing for crucial Paralympic Games qualification points. 

“Of course, I am very proud of the hard work of the British Triathlon staff and volunteers, and incredibly grateful to our event partners without whom the event would not be possible and such an overwhelming success. 

“I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did, that it illustrated how sport can be inclusive of everyone, no matter their ability and that the event has inspired even more people to take part in swim, bike, run.” 

The Conference saw delegates from across the world come together on the eve of the World Triathlon Para Series to take part in sessions and workshops, all with the goal of moving towards ‘para parity’ within the sport. 

With Paris 2024 in sight, the Conference provided the momentum to raise the bar for paratriathlon, with larger and smaller triathlon federations in attendance. 

Salmon said: “The Conference was a great opportunity to come together with triathlon federations from across the world, all with the common goal of advancing paratriathlon and achieving para parity. 

“Para parity is about equality, it’s about saying if we’re going to have a level of event delivery for the triathlon side of the programme, let's have the same delivery level for the paratriathlon side of the programme. 

"What tends to happen historically is that the paratriathlon athlete experience is significantly inferior to the triathlon delivery of the athlete experience, para parity is about closing that gap. 

"It's not just about prize money, it’s about broadcast, publicity generally, the course layout, the start times and the whole athlete experience, not only during the race but leading into and after the race as well. 

"It’s even more important that the triathlon federations with a smaller number of athletes were here because they are critical for the sport's growth."

Successes from the Conference included the announcement of a paratriathlon camp in Portugal next year to drive participation among up-and-coming triathlon federations.

Marisol Casado, World Triathlon President said: “In World Triathlon we are truly committed with the development of our para sport, and hosting once again not only a leg of the World Triathlon Para Series but also a conference to learn more things about our sport is crucial for us. 

“I am so proud of the commitment of the whole community on hosting this week of para sport at its best, including the Conference that was a vibrant gathering of athletes, coaches, and experts from around the world. 

“To have the opportunity of sharing and learning from their inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph is always a must. 

“And the conference served, once again, as a platform for fostering camaraderie and exchanging valuable knowledge, empowering para to conquer new challenges in the thrilling world of para triathlon.” 

Image credit: Ben Lumley/World Triathlon