MADRID, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is becoming an ever-more important presence in the World Triathlon calendar as the sport continues to grow in the country, both in terms of athletes and fans and also in interest for possible sponsors looking to use the sport to promote their image abroad.
Speaking to Xinhua from the Chinese city of Weihai, Shandong province, where a World Triathlon Series event is due to be held on August 29, Antonio Fernandez Arimany, the President of World Triathlon, explained the continued expansion of the sport in China.
"China is gaining an increasingly significant presence on the World Triathlon international calendar. During the 2026 season, the country is hosting events across virtually every level of the international competition structure, from continental events and World Cups to the World Triathlon Championship Series, the sport's premier annual circuit," he explained.
Fernandez Arimany highlighted that the event in Weihai, which he described as "one of the capitals of triathlon in China," has "over 1000 people taking part," and is "well-supported by authorities from the province and city" with an "incredible opening ceremony and cultural events which bring in many people" to watch the racing.
But Weihai isn't the only Chinese city with important triathlon races this year, with World Triathlon Cup events in places including Haikou, Chengdu, and Beijing.
"China is the only country in the world where events return year after year and that is one reason we are giving a lot of attention," Fernandez Arimany told Xinhua.
He also pointed out the level of Chinese triathletes was improving dramatically in the run-up to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. "They are on route to be in the Games in LA - the women are better at the moment, but the men are also improving," he said.
One reason that is happening is the commitment of the authorities.
"The Chinese federation organizes around 60 events a year and that is very important for the development of the sport. China is the country that organizes most events in the world, but there is more work to do as it is getting increasingly popular," explained the Spaniard.
Finally, the President of World Triathlon said that while in China he would be "meeting the president of Chinese federation and marketing sponsors to focus not just for China."
"We will be seeing events sponsored by Chinese companies in the near future," he concluded. ■
