Stacey Halsall Peart, newly elected president of the Jamaica Triathlon Association (JTA), has outlined a bold and inclusive vision for the growth of triathlon in Jamaica, with a clear eye on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

A month into her tenure, Halsall Peart is focused on strengthening the local triathlon community, increasing participation across all age groups, and securing international opportunities for Jamaican athletes.

While triathlon has long been viewed as a niche sport locally, Halsall Peart believes the time is right for it to take a larger role in Jamaica’s sporting ecosystem.

“We not only want to raise the profile among juniors, we want to do it among adults as well,” she said. “There’s already a strong group of Jamaican athletes travelling to compete in sprint events, half-Ironmans, and full Ironmans overseas, but we haven’t created enough structure for them here. That has to change.”

Central to her strategy is the development of a more vibrant local calendar. Halsall Peart noted that groups like Give It a Try and TriLife 876 have hosted successful triathlon events in the past, including a recent pool-based triathlon at Stella Maris Prep that saw more than 40 participants take part.

“It was extremely well-planned and well-attended,” she said. “Everyone was saying the same thing—we need more events like this.”

The JTA plans to increase the number of local events, both organised by the association and in partnership with existing triathlon clubs. These will include not only full triathlons, but also duathlons (run-bike-run) and aquathlons (swim-run) to create accessible entry points for beginners.

“Some people may not be strong swimmers or may not swim at all, but these alternative formats give them a way to get involved. Once they’re hooked, many go on to learn to swim and fully embrace the sport,” Halsall Peart explained.

The president also emphasised the long-term goal of Olympic qualification, revealing that World Triathlon has allocated spots for Caribbean nations to send one male and one female triathlete to the 2028 Olympic Games.

“We now have a real shot at getting Jamaican athletes on the Olympic stage,” she said. “We’re going to start by identifying talent through developmental meets and CARIFTA, then build out a pathway to get our top athletes qualified.”

Jamaica will also be submitting a proposal to host CARIFTA Triathlon 2026, a competition it last hosted in 2019 to widespread acclaim. “People still say 2019 was the best CARIFTA ever,” said Halsall Peart. “Bringing it back to Jamaica would not only help our athletes but also boost sports tourism.”

She also acknowledged the support of international partners. “Although I wasn’t able to attend the recent World Triathlon Congress in person, I participated online and sent a follow-up to express our interest in hosting more point-awarding events in Jamaica. Most of those events happen in Europe or the U.S., and the travel burden is high. If we can hold them here, it gives our athletes a fighting chance.”

A key part of the association’s grassroots strategy is to tap into Jamaica’s strong swimming culture. “There are many swimmers in our high schools who may not make the national swim teams, but who could thrive in triathlon,” she said. “Most of our seasoned triathletes started as swimmers. Triathlon gives them another pathway—and a competitive one.”

Halsall Peart, herself a runner who transitioned into triathlon through cross-training, sees the same opportunity for others. “I started swimming and cycling to support my running, and before I knew it, I was doing triathlons,” she said. “So we want people to know that it’s possible to grow into the sport. You don’t have to start as a triathlete to become one.”

On the topic of affordability, particularly around equipment like bicycles, she admitted that cost can be a barrier. “Triathlon isn’t a cheap sport, and bikes can be expensive, especially for middle-income Jamaicans,” she acknowledged. “That’s why previous JTA administrations invested in bikes that we can loan or rent to newcomers. Once they’re committed, they can buy their own.”

She also pointed out that local businesses are stepping up. “Matt’s Cycle Rack, for example, offers competitive prices and is looking to sponsor events. That kind of local support is invaluable.”

Looking ahead to CARIFTA 2025 in Tobago, Halsall Peart said the association is working hard to secure corporate sponsorship, including outreach to Caribbean Airlines to assist with travel. “Travel is one of our biggest expenses, and we need help to get our athletes where they need to be. We’re appealing to the corporate community to support us—because the potential is there.”

She was quick to credit her predecessors for building the foundation on which she now leads. “People like Leroy Cook, Carl Sharp, and Wayne Long took this sport from nothing and made it something. Our job now is to take it to the next level—to make it a sport that Jamaicans not only know about but aspire to compete in at the highest level.”

For Halsall Peart and the new board, that means not just increased visibility, but real opportunity. “We want our athletes to qualify for the Olympics, earn scholarships, and compete at the highest levels. And we’re going to make that possible.”