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Triathlon Canada Supports Whitfield’s Interest to Compete in New Race Distances

Simon to enter the world of long course triathlon.

Triathlon Canada would like to extend its support of Simon Whitfield’s decision to not join the national program in 2013 with the goal of exploring the opportunity to compete in other race distances.

The 37-year-old Whitfield will take a break from racing Olympic distances after having won nearly everything on the table throughout his illustrious career that includes competing in all four Olympic triathlon races.

The most decorated and successful triathlete in Canada, and perhaps the world, the Victoria resident runs into the next stage of his career with two Olympic medals, a gold medal at the 2009 Commonwealth Games, 14 World Cup victories, 21 World Cup podium finishes, eight top-10 finishes at the WorldChampionships, and 10 Canadian Championship titles. Whitfield’s last victory came in 2009 when he won the prestigious World Cup in Des Moines, Iowa in 2009.

“Simon is taking a break from our national program after having played a significant role in not only putting us on the international radar screen, but ensuring our sport’s credibility within the Canadian sport system over the last decade,” said Alan Trivett, executive director, Triathlon Canada. “Simon has done some heavy lifting for our sport – encouraging the next generation of Olympic medallists to believe they too can win, while sparking tremendous growth of triathlon for all ages across the country.

“We thank him for his commitment to excellence. We congratulate him for his accomplishments, and extend our full support towards Simon exploring new opportunities. Triathlon Canada will look forward to finding ways to keep Simon involved in our program with the goal of developing more medal winning athletes for Canada.”

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as anOlympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com

Whitfield Moving on to Long Course Racing

By Roger Hospedales

Earlier today, Simon Whitfield let everyone know that he is moving on to the next chapter of his professional triathlon racing career with the following statement on Twitter:

“Been on @triathloncanada National Team since 1995, declined today, had a hard time sending email. Looking forward to Long Course racing.”

Speculation now exists as to where and when Whitfield will race in 2013. He gave some clues on Twitter that he is considering racing at Ironman Canada, Ironman Mont-Tremblant, or Challenge Penticton.