Changing of the guard as new four year cycle begins

Triathlon NZ has today announced the pending departure of High Performance Director Stephen Farrell.

In making the announcement, CEO Dave Beeche spoke of the incredible commitment and energy that Farrell brought to the role he occupied for four years.

“As a former elite athlete himself, Stephen knows the commitment and dedication required to succeed at the top level. He has continued with that same dedication and self sacrifice to help other athletes succeed in his time as High Performance Director and has overseen a hugely successful period in the sport, capped by Bevan’s bronze medal in Beijing.”

When reviewing his time in the role, Farrell spoke of his immense pride in the sport, the athletes and most importantly New Zealand.

“After four years as High Performance Director I’ve decided to resign and will leave Triathlon New Zealand as soon as a suitable replacement is found. While it has been an exciting and challenging time, the tasks of managing a large team of stakeholders and the time away from family have been extensive.

“It seems to be an appropriate time to leave the organization and allow a new person with fresh ideas to lead the team for the next four years through to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“I can look back with pride on my association with the sport I love and athletes I admire and respect hugely, as we have over the years represented our country with great pride and passion.”

Beeche said the search for a replacement will begin immediately.

“Ideally we will find Stephen’s replacement here in New Zealand but we will not limit ourselves given the importance to our continued international success. The Board will take the time to establish the parameters of the role and the High Performance Programme for the next four year Olympic cycle and advertise the position in the international market.”

Meanwhile Farrell acknowledged the ‘behind the scenes’ support he has enjoyed while with the organization.

“I’d like to thanks all the coaches and support staff that have supported me, the Tri NZ High Performance Programme, and the athletes through the last four years.

“I would also like to thank my family for their support and understanding, especially when I have been away from home; it is now time to spend some energy on them and recharge the batteries for the next challenge.”

Highlights for Farrell over the four years in the role:

The performance of our triathletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with another medal for Bevan Docherty and our three best ever results for females at an Olympic Games
The New Zealand triathlon team winning three out of six medals at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games
Winning elite medals at World Championships in three out of four of the last ITU World Championships
The outstanding improvement and performances of our female athletes after a deliberate strategy of providing a ‘challenging and supportive environment for our female athletes.’