Posted: November 26, 2004

Triathlon: Sports Legends Back Springman

A number of Triathlon's legends are stepping up to back Sarah Springman to become the new President of the International Triathlon Union.

Dr. Sarah Springman who served as ITU vice president from 1992-96, is running against current president Les McDonald, who has served in that role since 1989. During McDonald's term, triathlon was put on the Olympic programme and has been contested in two Summer Games.

Leading personalities backing Springman in her efforts to bring change to the sport include Mark Allen, inaugural ITU World Champion and six times Ironman Champion, Simon Lessing, five times ITU Triathlon World Champion, multiple European Champions and British team-mates Sarah Coope and Glenn Cooke, Susanne Nielsen, ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Champion and Annie Emmerson, ITU World Duathlon Medallist.

Springman has also attracted backing from athletes outside Triathlon, with Great Britain's four times Olympic gold medal rower, Matthew Pinsent adding his endorsement to her candidature.

Sarah Coope, 6x European Champion, 3rd Hawaii Ironman 1991, multi British Champion, was emphatic in her support:

"I had the pleasure to race with Sarah throughout the 80's and 90's. We had a fierce rivalry however you knew as a fellow athlete that she was honest, always displayed fairness in her judgements, and would give 110% to her efforts. This attitude has continued in her life post racing. She fights for what is right and fair for all and if elected would be a refreshing face at the head of triathlon. I could honestly say I know no one else who is as committed as Sarah to what she believes and she would have my full backing."

Mark Allen, six times Ironman Champion, endorsed Springman's campaign by stating:

"My support of Sarah Springman for the ITU presidency comes from knowing her for many years in many capacities in the sport. I feel she will give the appropriate balance and vision needed to guide the sport of triathlon into a new level of accessibility and positive notoriety in the world."

"Her interest is indeed based on what is best for the sport as a whole, something that has not been emphasized enough over the past decades."

"In addition to her experience as a sportsperson, Sarah has the ability to think clearly and absorb many different interests in making her decisions. Again, I feel she will represent the big picture of what will make the sport of triathlons great in a way that we have not seen to date."

Susanne Nielsen. Denmark's ITU World Triathlon Champion commented:

"As an International triathlete, I feel that more needs to be done to encourage competition at the highest level in more countries."

"Sarah Springman knows from her own experience in competition how that can best be achieved. I support her in her quest to become President of ITU."

Simon Lessing, five times ITU World Triathlon champion stated:

"I truly believe that Dr Sarah Springman has the experience and understanding to lead the sport of triathlon in the right direction. She is undoubtedly one of very few people who have been actively involved internationally as both an administrator and international athlete. As a triathlete, Sarah has represented Great Britain for many years and is fully aware of the needs of all triathletes across the board."

"I have the confidence that she will eliminate the authoritarian effect that has overwhelmed our sport since our inclusion into the Olympic Games. Sarah is unquestionably the best candidate for the job of ITU President who will lead the sport rationally and with certainty."

"I am confident that Sarah will instinctively promote the needs of all involved so that triathlon will remain a sport true to its identity."

Annie Emmerson, who won a Bronze medal in the European Triathlon Championships 2001 and was silver medallist in this year's ITU World Duathlon Championships, summarised:

"In all my time in triathlon, I don't think I have ever come across someone like Sarah. Obviously not to be ignored are her intellect, knowledge of other languages and successful international sporting career. But without a doubt, what is blatantly obvious is her understanding of the athlete's needs. Her knowledge of the sport both in theory and practice and communication skills will no doubt make her an amazing president."

"I believe if triathlon is to continue it's success and progress, it needs a change and Sarah Springman should be that change."

Springman, herself an accomplished rower, also attracted the support of four time Olympic gold medallist, Matthew Pinsent CBE. Matthew, who has served on the IOC as one of its athlete's representatives, stated:

"An articulate, passionate and successful sportswoman, Sarah Springman has the credentials to brilliantly represent both Triathlon and its Triathletes. She has the overwhelming support from the British sporting world and me in particular."

Springman was a leading elite triathlete for several years and was the European Triathlon Champion in 1988 and European Long Distance Champion in 1985-86. She also took part in five Hawaii Ironman competitions and won 11 British Triathlon Championships between 1984 and 1992.

She was a member of the Great Britain and United Kingdom sports councils from 1993-2001 and governor of the International Masters Games Association from 1992-2002. A graduate of Girton College in Cambridge, England, Springman is currently professor of geotechnical engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

The election for the ITU presidency will take place during the ITU Congress on Dec. 4 in Vancouver, Canada.

Dr Springman has published her vision of the future of the ITU on her website, which can be viewed on Comment on this story.