Triathlon Ireland Adopts World Triathlon Transgender Policy

Following the publication of the World Triathlon Eligibility Regulations for Transgender Athletes (World Triathlon Transgender Policy) in January 2025, today Triathlon Ireland announced that this policy will be adopted for multisport in Ireland from the 1st of January, 2026.

Triathlon Ireland, its affiliated clubs, event organisers, coaches, and technical officials will implement the World Triathlon Transgender Policy for athletes aged 18 and over. In aligning with the World Triathlon Transgender Policy, Triathlon Ireland has developed an Implementation Guidance document for the Policy. The purpose of this guidance document is to ensure that triathlon in Ireland is welcoming, inclusive, fair, and respectful, while meeting both Irish legal requirements and international sporting standards. 

From the 1st of January, competitive age group events (i.e. those involving any or all of official timing/results, qualification, or rankings) for athletes over the age of 18 will have two categories; a Female Category (for athletes who are female sex at birth), and an Open Category (for all other participants including those who are male sex at birth, transgender, and any competitor not eligible for the female category). The instance in which the World Triathlon Transgender Policy applies to under-18s is when taking part in the Junior National Series (16-19 years) or when competing in sprint or standard distance age group events. In these cases, male athletes under the age of 18 will be allocated to the ‘Open’ category.

Implementation Guidance Document

The Implementation Guidance document outlines the key principles and considerations that apply across all disciplines – swim, bike, and run – and includes specific guidance for key stakeholders such as participants, Triathlon Ireland members, event organisers, technical officials, clubs, coaches, and members of the wider triathlon community. Access the Implementation Guidance here.

Triathlon Ireland is committed to ensuring that everyone involved in the sport continues to enjoy positive and meaningful experiences, regardless of sex or gender identity. Transgender individuals are, and will continue to be, welcomed at all levels of participation and competition across Ireland – including in events, clubs, coached sessions, community programmes, and both domestic and international competition. Triathlon Ireland operates a zero-tolerance policy on homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, harassment, or discrimination of any kind. Any behaviour of this nature will be treated as serious misconduct and managed in accordance with Triathlon Ireland’s disciplinary procedures.

Queries

If you require any additional support in relation to the implementation of the World Triathlon Policy, or on its implementation in any area of the sport, please get in touch with Triathlon Ireland using the contacts outlined in the table below. 

Access the World Triathlon Transgender Policy here

Access the Triathlon Ireland Implementation Guidance Document here.

Access the FAQs for the Triathlon Ireland Implementation Guidance for the World Triathlon Transgender Policy here.