To coincide with the visit the ITU has appointed Shanelle Barrett as their technical delegate for the Games.

Barrett is the first New Zealander appointed to such a role for either an Olympics or Youth Olympics.

She visits with Gergely Markus, the sport director of the ITU and technical director for the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010, where Japan's Yuko Sato won the first ever gold medal of the Youth Olympics in the triathlon.

They are also joined by Qin Jianqui from the Chinese Triathlon Sports Association.

All will meet with the Sports and Venue Department of the Nanjing 2014 Organising Committee.

They will discuss the venue (pictured below) and course for the Games, as well as training sites, test events and the competition schedule.


ITU President Marisol Casado is a member of the Coordination Commission for the second Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing, and has been to the city twice for the commission's inspection of preparations for the Games.

"Having been part of the early IOC visits, I'm confident Nanjing will deliver a wonderful Games in 2014, and this visit by ITU's Sport department marks the first steps toward a highly successful triathlon competition," she said.

"We believe the Youth Olympic Games can inspire the world's youth and will bring about a new generation of triathlon champions."

Barrett added: "It is a huge honour to receive this position for this level of event and I am really looking forward to working on the event with ITU.

"I believe that the Youth Olympics is a fantastic way for young athletes to get a taste of racing at the highest level in sport but in a friendly environment.

"I will enjoy working with the team to create an event that the athletes will remember and will no doubt give the future Olympians a stepping stone to reach their higher goals."

Triathlon was introduced as an Olympic sport for the Games in Sydney in 2000.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]