Triathlon head hails women's gains

Triathlon New Zealand high performance director Stephen Farrell has been impressed with the step-up from the country's female athletes during his time with the sport's national body.

Farrell yesterday announced he will step down from a role he has occupied for the past four years. He will remain with Triathlon New Zealand until a replacement has been found.

"While it has been an exciting and challenging time, the tasks of managing a large team of stakeholders and the time away from family have been extensive," he said.

"It seems to be an appropriate time to leave the organisation and allow a new person with fresh ideas to lead the team for the next four years through to the 2012 London Olympic Games."

He said he had enjoyed several highlights during his time in the job including Bevan Docherty's bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in August.

But he also pointed to the progress made by New Zealand's female triathletes.

Farrell said there had been an "outstanding improvement and performances" from the women after a "deliberate strategy of providing a challenging and supportive environment".

"I can look back with pride on my association with the sport I love and athletes I admire and respect hugely."

Triathlon New Zealand chief executive David Beeche said the search for a replacement would start immediately with the job to be advertised overseas.

- © Fairfax NZ News