The 2021 Awards – Have Your Say
Announcing the Triathlon Ireland Awards 2021 – the triathlon community’s chance to pay tribute to those who give so much to the community throughout the year.
A little different to usual, we will be celebrating these awards in early 2022, when it is possible to safely do so. We can’t wait to celebrate with our clubs, members, event organisers, volunteers and the rest of the community who have worked so hard to make the 2021 season an unforgettable one.
2021 – Once More a Season Like No Other
While the race season got off to a delayed start, our clubs and members worked hard to stay connected during another tough year, training and having fun. A bumper season started in July with a massive 14 rounds of the BMW Triathlon National Series taking place around the country across nine weeks.
AWARD CATEGORIES
The award categories are listed below in alphabetical order. The closing date for submission of nominations and for votes in applicable awards is 5pm sharp on Monday, 4th of January 2022. Following this time all public submissions will be closed.
AGE GROUP TEAM IRELAND AWARD
The Age Group Team Ireland award seeks to recognise an individual athlete who has shown commitment, team spirit, performance or contribution during a World Triathlon or Europe Triathlon event.
Any athlete who represented Ireland at an international World Triathlon or Europe Triathlon event in 2021 is eligible.
The final decision will be made according to the above criteria by a panel of Triathlon Ireland staff members and Team Ireland volunteers.
CAROLINE KEARNEY AWARD
The Caroline Kearney Award is given annually to recognise exceptional contribution to the sport of triathlon by a female athlete.
The award is decided by a panel consisting of Triathlon Ireland’s President, CEO and Women’s Participation Lead.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
The Club of the Year award seeks to identify triathlon clubs – be it small, medium or large – which have performed in an outstanding manner over the course of the last 12 months.
The award will be decided by a panel of Triathlon Ireland staff members and a representative from another national federation on foot of nominations from clubs.
Judges shall consider the following criteria:
- Initiatives to maintain engagement during Covid-19 (70%)
- Evidence of good governance (20%)
- Any other grounds why your club should be recognised (10%)
Each club should prepare a submission for why their club should be considered based on the criteria above. Triathlon Club’s can make their submission via this link.
The closing date is 23:59pm on Tuesday, 4th of January 2022.
CLUB COACH OF THE YEAR
The club coach of the year award is open to all Triathlon Ireland qualified club coaches. In line with the Triathlon Ireland strategic plan which centres around club development and sustainability this award aims to highlight those who are coaching in clubs and contributing to the growth and development of their club and it’s members through their coaching support.
Nominees must be a member of TI, hold a TI coaching qualification and have all necessary safeguarding criteria up to date.
Clubs can nominate their coach by contacting their club chairperson who will be sent a link directly via email.
The outcome will be decided by a panel of two TI staff and an external panel member in a coach education role from another NGB.
HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
High Performance Athlete of the Year is open to any athlete who has finished in the Top 15% of the Elite or Professional field at an Elite World Triathlon level, SuperLeague, Ironman or Challenge, or other similar international standard multi-sport event.
Athletes who have broken national records or surpassed previous best Irish results on the professional triathlon circuit will also be considered.
In addition, athletes who have had significant international results may be considered.
The award will be decided by a panel of staff members from Triathlon Ireland’s High Performance Unit.
JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Athletes eligible for Junior Athlete of the Year are those who have finished as the first junior athlete in the 2021 National Championships, in the 2021 National Aquathlon Championships, in the 2021 National Duathlon Championships or have finished in the top 15% of the field at an World Triathlon race.
In addition, athletes who have had significant international results may be considered.
The award will be decided by a panel of staff members from Triathlon Ireland’s High Performance Unit.
PARA TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Para triathlete of the Year will be awarded to an athlete who has shown exceptional performance in an individual race or series of races over the 2021 season.
The award will be decided by a panel from Triathlon Ireland’s High Performance Unit
RACE OF THE YEAR
Any race which hosted a BMW Triathlon National Series event or National Championship event in 2021 shall be eligible for the Race of the Year Award.
The award will be decided by a mixture of technical criteria, decided by a panel of Triathlon Ireland events and operational staff members (80%) and public vote (20%).
The technical criteria will consist of Event Organisation (submission of event plan; quality of marshals, transition, finish line) Technical Official’s report, communication with Triathlon Ireland and Race Officials and speed of submission of race results.
CAST YOUR VOTE FOR RACE OF THE YEAR HERE
SPIRIT OF TRIATHLON
This award recognises those individuals who illustrate the principles of the positive spirit of the sport as displayed through acts of sportsmanship and leadership in multisport, with no deference to athletic ability.
Any current Triathlon Ireland member shall be eligible for nomination in this category and can include (but is not limited to); athletes, coaches, volunteers, technical officials, club committee members and race directors.
The nominee should be someone who fits one or more of the following criteria:
- Embodies the spirit of the sport, contributing with a selfless, inclusive attitude;
- Has achieved something extraordinary within or because of triathlon;
- Has overcome the odds to be involved in triathlon;
- Has inspired others to strive for their personal best within triathlon.
Nominations should be a written or a video entry. Written entries should be 300 to 600 words in length and videos should be no more than four minutes in length. Entries should outline why this Triathlon Ireland member should be recognised with this award.
You can make your submission now through this link.
The closing date is 23:59pm on Tuesday, 4th of January 2022.
TECHNICAL OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
All qualified Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials (technical delegates and referees) who have been appointed to a BMW Triathlon National Series or National Championship event in 2021 are eligible for this award.
Judging criteria will be each Technical Officials collaboration, fairness and commitment to the role.
The decision will be made by a panel of Triathlon Ireland staff members and Technical Official Committee members, examination of Technical Official reports and quality of communication of each candidate with Triathlon Ireland.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The Volunteer of the Year Award aims to shine a light on the remarkable work of volunteers around the country by celebrating them on a national level. The award is a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to ordinary people doing extraordinary work across the country.
Any current member of Triathlon Ireland is eligible to win this award, which will be decided by a panel of Triathlon Ireland staff members.
Nominations are open to the public now with a closing date of 23:59pm on Tuesday, 4th of January.
