Event Recap
A total of 36 athletes plus coaches, parents and supporters participated in the recently held World Triathlon event held in Barbados. This was a return of the event that was last hosted here in 2019. The turnout was acceptable given that Americas Triathlon (Continental Federation) rescheduled an event in Mexico on March 16th which impacted the participation of our event.
The 24 males and 15 female athletes participating represented the following countries, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Canada, USA, Cuba, Peru, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands. Athletes would have arrived from April 13 to 14 resulting in an average stay of 3 nights totalling 108 room nights. BFIT does not have the exact data of where they stayed and the number of nights.
BFIT does offer a range of hotels in the athletes’ guide for the athletes to choose from. We estimate that athletes and accompanying people stayed in a combination of hotels and guest homes.
Participant Statistics
| Triathletes | Other Visitors | Average Stay (Room Nights) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 4 | 3 |
| Total Visitors - 40 | ||
| Estimated total room nights – 120 |
Success and Obstacles
While a number of athletes had previously competed in Barbados, this event welcomed many first-time participants to our race. These athletes departed the island with stellar impressions, expressing eagerness to return next year. This aligns with our observation from past races: as experiences are shared within the athlete community, participation tends to grow. The event’s success in organization and execution was universally lauded by athletes and coaches alike, a testament to the commitment of our technical officials and volunteers.
Key achievements of the event included its punctuality, the provision of a specialized athlete recovery area, and the availability of food and beverages for participants. Additionally, the awards ceremony was notably distinctive, featuring flag raisings by the Barbados Sea Scouts with their custom-made bamboo flagpoles. The choice of Mighty Grynner Highway and Brandon’s Beach as the location not only served as an ideal setting for triathlon racing but also offered a picturesque backdrop for photos and videos, enhancing the overall event experience.
We had 5 Barbadian triathletes participate (3 men, 2 women) with elite triathlete, Matthew Wright, finishing second and all but securing his place at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Given the cost of traveling to Barbados in March we will have to consider if there is a more affordable time to host the event as the triathletes have a race budget and are cost conscious. If the event is stay on the calendar, then looking at October/November which is typically the end of the triathlon season may be attractive as athletes may be inclined to stay longer and make a holiday of their trip.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors of the 2023 National Championship. Your generous support and commitment were instrumental in making this event a resounding success.
A special mention goes to the Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc. (BTMI) for their exceptional contributions. BTMI covered the costs for the stunning trophies, provided breathtaking drone footage that captured the essence of the race, and ensured the race venue was beautifully branded, creating a memorable experience for all participants and spectators.
To all our sponsors, your dedication to promoting triathlon and supporting our athletes is greatly appreciated. Your partnership helps us continue to host world-class events that inspire and unite the triathlon community. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
