Great Britain Triathlete Harry Wiltshire Suspended for Six Months

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) today announced it has imposed a six-month suspension on British triathlete Harry Wiltshire due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the 2011 Pontevedra ETU Triathlon European Championships on 25 June 2011.

The suspension begins 26 June 2011 and prohibits Wiltshire from taking part in ITU competitions or competitions sanctioned by National Federations affiliated to ITU.

Following the elite men’s race at the European Championships, Wiltshire’s alleged unsafe and unsportsmanlike conduct during the race was investigated. The ITU Executive Board voted to impose a six-month suspension against Wiltshire based on the evidence from the race and testimonies from the on-course technical officials. Wiltshire had already been disqualified by the Chief Swim Official based on violations to the ITU Competition Rules (2.1 a.) (i), 3.3 a.) (i), Appendix L 6, and Appendix L 7). This decision was upheld by the Referee and there was no appeal by the athlete’s federation upon notification.

The ITU is strongly committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport by ensuring athletes are competing within the competition rules and with a high degree of sportsmanship.

2.1. General Conduct:
a.) Triathlon and ITU’s other related multisports involve many athletes. Race tactics are part of the interaction between athletes.

Athletes will:
(i) Practice good sportsmanship at all times;
(ii) Be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others;
(iii) Know, understand and follow the ITU Competition Rules, available from their NFs and on www.triathlon.org;
(iv) Obey traffic regulations and instructions from race officials;
(v) Treat other athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators with respect and courtesy;
(vi) Avoid the use of abusive language;
(vii) Inform a Technical Official after withdrawing from the race.

3.3. Disqualification:
a.) General:

(i) A disqualification is a penalty appropriate for severe rule violations, or dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Appendix L 6, and Appendix L 7

6. Blocking, charging, obstructing, or interfering the forward progress of another athlete;

• Unintentionally: verbal warning
• Intentionally: DSQ

7. Unfair contact. The fact that contact occurs between athletes does not constitute a violation. When several athletes are moving in a limited area, contact may occur. This incidental contact between athletes in equally favourable positions, is not a violation;

• Unintentionally: verbal warning
• Intentionally: DSQ