T100 is betting on AI glasses while IRONMAN is banning them
The PTO will incorporate Oakley Meta glasses into the T100 Triathlon World Tour to record first-person images, while IRONMAN prohibits the use of any device to capture photographs or videos during its events.
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has signed an agreement with Meta, which becomes the official AI wearables partner of the T100 Triathlon World Tour.
The collaboration involves using Oakley Meta Vanguard and Oakley Meta HSTN Performance AI glasses to record images from the perspective of the participants and show what it's like to experience a race from the inside.
The initiative contrasts with the policy adopted by IRONMAN . Its 2026 regulations prohibit athletes from using cameras, phones, video cameras, glasses, or other devices to capture images during competition.
The T100 wants to show racing from the inside.
The aim of the agreement between the PTO and Meta is to expand the circuit's audiovisual capabilities. The glasses allow for hands-free video recording and offer a perspective difficult to achieve with traditional broadcast cameras.
The T100 plans to use this technology to display images of professional triathletes and age group participants , as well as involve family members, companions, and race officials.
The first tests have already been carried out. Dutch runner Lotte Wilms used Oakley Meta Vanguard shoes during the Spain T100, while New Zealander Kurt McDonald recorded part of the 18-kilometer run at the San Francisco T100.
Popular triathlete Travis Mundell also tested this type of goggles during the Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, the age-group event held during the same weekend as the San Francisco T100.
T100 and IRONMAN apply different criteria.
| Circuit | Criteria regarding glasses with cameras | Intended use or sanction |
|---|---|---|
| T100 | Use within content and experiences authorized by the circuit | First-person images of professionals, celebrities, and officials |
| HOMBRE DE HIERRO | Prohibited for athletes during competition | Taking photographs, videos or other images results in disqualification |
The IRONMAN global competition rules, in effect since March 2, 2026 , prohibit the use of any device to capture photographs, videos, or other visual images while the athlete is competing.
The rule specifically mentions cameras, phone cameras, video cameras, and glasses. The use of any of these devices to record during an IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 race will result in disqualification.
Triathlon News has already analyzed in detail the ban on recording videos and taking photographs at IRONMAN events from 2026.
Can any triathlete record with them in a T100 event?
The agreement does not mean that any participant can freely use camera glasses in all the circuit's events.
The PTO statement confirms the use of Oakley Meta within the T100, but does not establish a general authorization for all entrants nor does it detail the conditions that will apply in each race.
Age group athletes must consult the specific regulations, the athlete's guide, and the officials' instructions before competing with a device capable of capturing images.
The authorized use of video recording equipment within a T100 event does not extend to other competitions. Glasses used for recording during the T100 would still be subject to the ban if the same athlete participates in an IRONMAN race.
Not all smart glasses have the same function
The technology integrated into sports glasses can serve different purposes. Some models display performance data or help the athlete orient themselves, while others incorporate cameras, microphones, speakers, and artificial intelligence assistants.
The FORM Smart Swim 2 , for example, displays swimming metrics and offers directional guidance in open water. The Oakley Meta cameras used by the T100 are also geared towards capturing audiovisual content.
The difference is relevant: IRONMAN regulations penalize the capture of images during the competition, but do not generally prohibit any type of wearable technology.
Two ways of understanding content during a career
The contrast reflects two different strategies. T100 considers first-person footage a tool to bring the competition closer to the public. IRONMAN , on the other hand, has opted to prevent athletes from recording themselves while competing.
This audiovisual commitment also comes ahead of the creation of the Triathlon World Tour, which the PTO and World Triathlon are promoting for 2027 , a project that will unify different circuits and competitions under the same international structure.
For the triathlete, the practical rule is simple: before using glasses with cameras or artificial intelligence functions, you should check exactly what the rules of the event allow.
This content has been created with the support of AI tools and reviewed by the Triathlon News editorial team.
