During a recently held annual general meeting, members of Malta Triathlon agreed that the national organisation will become known as the Malta Triathlon Federation.

The move brings Maltese triathlon in line with the majority of other federations across the continent and international triathlon unions.

“The Malta Triathlon Federation is the official national governing body for the multi-discipline sports, covering triathlon, duathlon and aquathlons,” explained Cyprian Dalli, president of the Malta Triathlon Federation.

“For some this may only look like a cosmetic change but it is not.

“In fact, the move keeps us in line with our vision to be pro-active and in closer contact with our fellow counterparts abroad.

“We believe that our future is bright and, as a federation, we shall continue to strive to ensure the best prospects possible for our athletes and the sport.”

Maltese triathlon has wrapped up another successful year which has seen participants in local and international races increase substantially.

National team performances were excellent, particularly Keith Galea and Danica Bonello Spiteri, while in long distance Michelle Vella Wood established a new record for Maltese women by clocking 10 hours and 53 minutes in Kalmar, Sweden, in summer.

Dermot Galea also broke the Maltese record for the IM 70.3 distance in his race at Antwerp, Belgium, as Team Malta also figured prominently in the triathlon championship for the small states of Europe which were staged in Luxem-bourg.

Meanwhile, the triathlon federation also welcomed with great satisfaction Nicky Farrugia’s induction into the Maltese Olympic Committee’s Hall of Fame last month.

Farrugia was honoured for his contribution to triathlon in Malta.