No Opposition in Equestrian Election -- Federation Focus

(ATR) Ingmar de Vos will get a mandate of four more years to lead the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The federation said in a release that de Vos is the only candidate registered for the upcoming presidential election. FEI will hold its quadrennial elections in Manama, Bahrain this November. Candidates had until May 1 to register for their candidacy.

"While I would have expected other candidates, I take the fact that I am unopposed as recognition of all the important work that has been done by the FEI over the last four years," de Vos said in a statement. "This could not have been achieved without the wonderful team at FEI Headquarters under the leadership of our Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez, and the support of the National Federations and our community, for which I am extremely grateful."

De Vos was elected to the IOC at its 2017 Session as a international federation representative. He can serve two more terms as FEI President under current term limit rules.

Triathlon Begins Tokyo 2020 Qualification

Qualification for the three Tokyo 2020 medal events begins on May 11 with the start of the 2018 International Triathlon Union World Triathlon Yokohama.

Over the next two seasons 55 male and 55 female triathletes will qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Triathlon will have both individual men’s and women’s races, but also for the first time a mixed relay at the Tokyo Olympics.

Qualification spots will be awarded to the top point-getting countries over the next two triathlon seasons. A further qualification event in April or May 2020 will decide the final country-based qualification positions. The final spots will come from individual qualification rankings.

"Tokyo is going to be an extremely important event not only for the International Triathlon Union, but also for the history of our sport and for the athletes competing there," Marisol Casado, ITU President, said in a statement. "With male and female athletes competing together as a team we will show the world just how committed triathlon is to gender equality, and how our athletes can shine and perform under any circumstances, both individually and as a team."

Sailing Mid-Year Meeting

Competitions at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics and an equipment review are the main points on the agenda for World Sailing’s mid-year meeting.

The meeting will be held in London from May 10-15 and have over 200 delegates according to Sailing Scuttlebutt.

The competition program for the Paris 2024 regatta will be approved in the meeting, following a working group last year. World Sailing will also discuss which events to submit to the International Paralympic Committee for reintroduction at the 2024 Paralympics.

Equipment for the windsurfer and one person dingy disciplines will be discussed as well.

New Judo Website

Just before judo’s Tokyo 2020 qualification begins, the federation has a new website.

The federation says the redesign puts an "emphasis on engaging and interactive content," to focus on elite and grassroots judo. Click here to see the new homepage.

"The website is thus intended to optimize the flow of information while enhancing contact among all our stakeholders," Marius Vizer, International Judo Federation President, said in a statement. "Together, we can best serve the interests of all those following judo – anywhere and everywhere."

Lewis Meets the Queen

International Ski Federation Secretary General Sarah Lewis was bestowed Officer of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen of England.

"The Investiture Ceremony is an extraordinary and uniquely British occasion, following century old traditions," Lewis said in a statement of the honor. "To receive the honor from Her Majesty the Queen was particularly special and she commented on the popularity of skiing as a sport."

Written by Aaron Bauer

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