‘Israeli’ triathletes removed from Northern Ireland race after objections

‘Israeli’ triathletes have been barred from competing in the Europe Triathlon Cup in Londonderry (Derry), Northern Ireland, this weekend after the local organizing club objected to their participation.

Four ‘Israeli’ athletes had appeared on a provisional entry list for the men’s elite race, part of an international event expected to draw up to 200 competitors from around the world.

North West Triathlon Club (NWTC), which is organizing the City of Derry Triathlon, said it only became aware of the ‘Israeli’ entrants when the list was published on the World Triathlon website.

The club stated it “had no involvement whatsoever in accepting or approving these international entries,” as registration was handled by the official governing body World Triathlon.

NWTC made “strong representations” to Triathlon Ireland and Europe Triathlon, making clear “in the strongest possible terms that it could not support their participation in the circumstances.”

In a public statement the club declared: “For the avoidance of any doubt, athletes representing Israel will not be participating in the City of Derry Triathlon on Saturday… There will be no Israeli representation competing at this event.”

It insisted the stance was “not a position directed at anyone because of their religion or ethnicity, nor is it hostility towards an individual simply because they were born in Israel.”

Instead, the club said, it concerned “representation of the State of Israel in international sport and the attempt to present normality on the international sporting stage while Palestinians continue to suffer.”

Organizers also cited safety risks.

NWTC pointed to “very real concerns being raised around athlete and public safety, the potential for serious disruption and the wider risk to an event involving hundreds of competitors.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed it had “become aware of potential protest activity in relation to the event.”

World Triathlon later confirmed it had removed the ‘Israeli’ athletes “with immediate effect” after a request from the ‘Israeli’ National Federation (‘Israeli’ Triathlon Association).

The ITA said it was “deeply disturbed by the circumstances” and expressed “extremely serious concerns about discriminatory treatment and antisemitism.”

It noted that the NWTC statement “openly states that the club objected to the participation of athletes representing Israel and welcomed the fact that no Israeli athletes would compete.”

The association said it is examining possible legal action and expects Europe Triathlon to review the event’s status and the organizers’ future eligibility to host international competitions.

Local political reactions were sharply divided.

Democratic Unionist Party MLA Julie Middleton called the exclusion “an awful reflection on Londonderry,” adding: “An international sporting event that should showcase our city’s hospitality and openness has instead become associated with the exclusion of athletes because they are Israeli.”

SDLP MLA Mark H. Durkan said he was “relieved” the athletes would not compete, citing “understandable anger.”

The Derry Anti War Coalition welcomed the outcome as a victory for the BDS movement, while Derry City and Strabane District Council restated its long-standing support for BDS.

Michael Black of the Belfast Jewish Community described the decision as “very disappointing but doesn’t come as a surprise,” criticizing Ireland’s reputation on alleged “antisemitism” and arguing that “sport should not be used to divide people.”

Triathlon Ireland confirmed the final start list contains no ‘Israeli’ athletes and said preparations for the race are continuing as planned.