USA Triathlon President Barry Siff Earns Seat on ITU Executive Board

USA Triathlon Board of Directors President Barry Siff was named to the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Executive Board following a vote at last weekend's ITU Board Meeting and 25th anniversary celebration in Avignon, France. Siff (Tucson, Ariz.) will serve as an ITU Board member until member federations vote on the seat again at ITU Congress next September in Chicago at the 2015 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final. Siff will be eligible to be re-elected at that time. All ITU Executive Board term lengths run parallel with the Olympic quadrennial, and therefore all 15 seats will be up for re-election in 2016.  

"Not only is USA Triathlon one of ITU's largest National Federations, it will also help deliver the World Triathlon Grand Final Chicago next year," said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. "Barry Siff's position on the ITU Executive Board will be essential to representing a massive portion of the triathlon family. His election is a positive step in the right direction for unifying and growing our sport."

"I am absolutely thrilled to represent USA Triathlon and our members on the ITU Executive Board," Siff said. "This is a tremendous honor and recognition of the standing USA Triathlon has in the world of triathlon, and allows us to be even more engaged with the future of the sport. The 25th anniversary celebration in Avignon only reinforced my utmost respect and commitment to ITU and its direction and leadership for our sport."

Siff was elected as the USA Triathlon Board of Directors President in April 2014, following a two-year stint as Vice President. He represents the Rocky Mountain, Pacific Northwest and Midwest Regions, and has been involved in the triathlon community for nearly 30 years - first as a competitor, then as a race director and coach. Siff is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Race Director and a Level I Certified Coach, and a member of the Timex, PowerBar and TriBike Transport elite teams.

Siff began his triathlon career in 1986 in Omaha, Nebraska, and has completed 10 IRONMAN events and more than 50 marathons, including the Leadville 100 Trail Run. Siff was also a full-time adventure racer from 1998-2003, having completed numerous events in over 20 countries. He has co-authored two books on the sport, and continues to be a contributor to many triathlon and sports magazines, and other media outlets worldwide. He is currently involved with USA Triathlon's International Relations and Strategic Planning Committees and previously served as Chair of USA Triathlon's Race Director Committee. He also served on the National Coaching Committee and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame Committee, an event he emceed for the past six years.

About USA Triathlon: USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with nearly 500,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).