Youth of the Barbados Federation of Triathletes (BFIT) can now look forward to honing their skills.
This is because BFIT recently launched several new youthfocused triathlon training opportunities, catering to varying abilities, goals and budgets.
These include bicycling, swimming and running skills, and competency programmes. The opportunities also include specialised membership for triathletes between 11 and 19 years old, entitling them to two swim sessions each week with the Pirates Swim Club.
BFIT president Darren Treasure said this latest increase in activity supported the organisation’s vision to improve the number and quality of training opportunities for young and budding triathletes, and encourage new members to join the federation.
“BFIT is not only committed to increasing the standard of triathlon offered in Barbados, but we also want to show that anyone can give triathlon a try, shattering the perception that it is an elitist sport,” he said.
Treasure, who was recently awarded a British Triathlon Level 2 coaching certification, is the only person in Barbados to hold this international distinction and one of only six people in the Caribbean to do so.
“By investing in improving the level of coaching available, we hope to give our triathletes the best competitive edge, both at home and abroad. Previous national triathlon champion and 2018 CARIFTA head coach Oein Josiah has also just received his CAMTRI [regional triathlon body for the Americas] Level 1 coaching certification, and last year we hosted a coaching development camp with the assistance of British Triathlon – the first of its kind in the Caribbean – so we are slowly, but surely, continuing to shift the benchmark for triathlon on the island,” he added.
In addition, elite local triathlete Matthew Wright held two separate triathlon camps last year, aimed at athletes eight to 12 and 13 to 19. The purpose of that camp was to acquaint younger children to the techniques involved across the three sports in triathlon, as well as to provide specialised training for older CARIFTA- level children looking to improve their skill set for qualifying races.
Similarly, local Olympic triathlete Jason Wilson hosted a question and answer session for young triathletes to share racing preparation advice and theoretical assistance to those looking to qualify for this year’s CARIFTA in Jamaica.
Wilson also introduced attendees to his new training programme suited to both recreational and competitive triathletes aged 11 to 19 years, also serving as the Junior High Performance Programme for emerging athletes aged 16 years and older. (RA/PR)
Barbados Federation of Triathletes president Darren Treasure says the association is committed to improving the standard of triathlon in Barbados.
(FP)
