Monday 25 March marks the triathlon’s first concrete qualifying milestone in the run-up to Paris 2024, with the confirmation of nine teams going to the Games. Each of these National Federations is therefore automatically guaranteed two men and two women for this year’s Olympics: a foregone conclusion for some, a sigh of relief for others.
The 2022 and 2023 World Mixed Relay Championships were the first self-qualifying events. France, as the host country, also had a guaranteed team.
Deadline day rules state that the top six ranked countries will guarantee two men and two women for that particular National Olympic Committee, those spots being relinquished for those who have already qualified. Therefore, the following NINE teams will be on the starting line on August 5th, joined by the TOP TWO from the Huatulco Mixed Relay Qualifier on May 17th, as well as any other countries with 2 men and 2 women who qualified through the individual rankings when it closes on May 27.
ALREADY CONFIRMED:
TEAM FRANCE (HOSTS AND 2022 WORLD CHAMPIONS IN MONTREAL)
TEAM GREAT BRITAIN (SECOND AFTER FRANCE IN MONTREAL)
TEAM GERMANY (2023 WORLD CHAMPIONS)
CONFIRMED ON DEADLINE DATE:
TEAM NEW ZEALAND
TEAM AUSTRALIA
SWITZERLAND TEAM
TEAM USA
ITALY TEAM
PORTUGAL TEAM
Teams that have already secured their spot will not be allowed to compete in the Huatulco Mixed Relay Olympic Qualifier. Behind them, there are still some great teams waiting in the wings. Teams such as Spain, Canada, Belgium, Brazil are likely to qualify at least two men and two women required to start on August 5, while teams South Africa, Japan, Austria, Mexico, Norway, Hungary, Netherlands and Denmark are among those for whom a podium in Huatulco could be the deciding factor.
Be sure to add May 17, 7:15 am. local time (TBC) on your calendar as the chase to become only the second Olympic Triathlon Mixed Relay Champions heats up in Huatulco, with full coverage on TriathlonLive.tv.