World Triathlon resumes Olympic qualification rankings from 1st May 2021
The Executive Board of World Triathlon has today approved the restart of the Olympic and Paralympic Qualification rankings from 1 May, 2021. The standings had been frozen last March as a result of the global health crisis, with events held at the end of the 2020 season not counting towards the Olympic or Paralympic rankings.
The restart of the Olympic qualification period will mean that athletes will have the opportunities to compete in a total of 6 events, including World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama and Leeds and World Triathlon Cups in Osaka, Lisbon, Arzachena and Huatulco, with racing planned in three continents during the window. The remaining Continental Championships and the Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification events are also planned to be held during the qualification period. The Asian Championships will also be counted as an exception as it takes place prior to the date of the restart.
The restart of the Paralympic qualification period will mean that athletes will have the opportunities to compete in at least 4 events, including World Triathlon Para Series and World Triathlon Para Cups, with racing planned on two continents during the window. The remaining Continental Championship events are also to be held during the qualification period.
The world rankings and the para triathlon world rankings will also reopen on 1 May. While the Olympic Qualification Period will remain open until no later than 21 June, while for the Paralympics the Qualification Period will be open until 15 July. A total of 110 triathletes are expected to compete in the Olympics, which will feature a new mixed team event, while 80 qualification spots are available for Paratriathlon at the Paralympics.
The World Triathlon Executive Board has also approved the rules for the Eliminator format, that will make its debut in the World Triathlon Championship Series this year, and the World Games qualification criteria.
