Carolina Méndez, new president of the Extremadura Triathlon Federation

The electoral process of the Extremadura Triathlon Federation has concluded, and the result marks a change in its management structure.

Carolina Méndez will be the new president for the next four years, succeeding José Manuel Tovar.

The end of the José Manuel Tovar era

During José Manuel Tovar's presidency, various actions were carried out to promote triathlon in the region. His efforts were reflected in the organization of regional championships, support for new talents and collaboration with local institutions. Tovar is leaving office after completing his term, although he will maintain a close collaboration with the federation.

This transition aims to ensure the stability of the entity and offer an orderly transfer. Therefore, initiatives already underway will receive additional support, ensuring that future actions do not lose momentum.

The experience of Carolina Mendez

Carolina Méndez is no stranger to the world of triathlon. Since joining in 2007, she has held various positions in the Extremadura Federation, such as general secretary, and has served as an Official Judge.

He has first-hand knowledge of the competitive environment and event management. This closeness to competitions has allowed him to analyse the needs of clubs, athletes and referees, which gives him a clear vision of the challenges he will face in this new role.

She also combines her sporting work with family life, being the mother of three children. Her organizational skills and her proximity to the sports base reinforce her leadership.

Challenges for the next four years

The new president has expressed her commitment to promoting triathlon from the most basic training to the elite level. Her main plans include:

• Promotion in lower categories: The aim is to strengthen triathlon schools and events accessible to minors, seeking to have more young people see this sport as an attractive alternative.
• Competitive quality: Regional competitions are expected to be strengthened in order to increase the number of participants and offer a better experience to athletes and spectators.
• Sports infrastructure: Seek agreements with public and private organisations to improve circuits, training facilities and equipment, so that Extremadura triathlon maintains an optimal level.
• Visibility and diffusion: We will try to make the community aware of the initiatives, championships and stories of overcoming that emerge from each competition.

According to the new president, the impetus of this program will be based on collaboration with clubs and coordination with the competent authorities. The idea is to make the sport accessible to everyone, without neglecting the quality that characterizes the most experienced triathletes.

Commitment to inclusion and grassroots sport

Another point that Carolina Méndez highlighted in her first statements was the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities. Her work as an Official Judge has allowed her to observe the different profiles of athletes who are starting out in triathlon. For this reason, she wants to strengthen the federative network with concrete proposals that include:

• Introductory programs for women, people with disabilities and adults who wish to try the discipline.
• Open days and exhibitions in schools and colleges, encouraging greater curiosity about combined events.
• Specific training for race technicians and officials, in order to ensure unified criteria and greater professionalism.

The emphasis on grassroots sport responds to the need to guarantee generational change and constant talent, expanding the participation of athletes of all ages and conditions.

Growth prospects in Extremadura

The Extremadura Triathlon Federation has stood out in recent years for its commitment to organizing events in different parts of the autonomous community.

It is estimated that this line of work will be consolidated and allow for a calendar of varied competitions, aimed at athletes looking to demonstrate their performance, as well as those who wish to experience popular events.

"I take on this responsibility with great enthusiasm and with the aim of continuing to promote triathlon in Extremadura, bringing more opportunities to our athletes, improving the infrastructure and encouraging the practice of sport in all its forms.", he claimed.

The role of José Manuel Tovar in the future

After completing his term, Tovar will continue to be close to the federation and will advise the new board of directors on whatever is necessary. The aim is to add the experience gained during the previous administration to the new projects, giving solidity to the change in management.

Coordination between the old and new management teams could speed up Carolina Méndez's plans and strengthen the union between the different actors involved: clubs, coaches, sponsors and athletes.