Across Africa, triathlon continues to expand through the commitment of passionate leaders working at both grassroots and elite levels. In Namibia, that progress is being driven by Adele De La Rey, Secretary General of the Namibia Triathlon Federation, a Level 2 World Triathlon Certified Coach and IRONMAN World Championship competitor in Kona.
As both a coach and administrator, De La Rey represents a growing number of women taking on leadership roles within triathlon. Her work in Namibia demonstrates the important impact female coaches and leaders can have in building inclusive sporting environments and creating visible role models for the next generation of athletes and officials.
Season Highlights
The Namibia Triathlon Federation has enjoyed a year of strong growth and achievement -
- Successful hosting of the Africa Triathlon Cup in Swakopmund, welcoming athletes from across the continent and beyond.
- Winter Duathlon Series, delivered for a second consecutive year, serving as a key pathway for triathlon and multisport development.
- Significant increase in athlete participation, with a target of 300–350 athletes for next year.
- Expanded international participation and the securing of corporate sponsorship to elevate events to world-class standards.
Development & Growth
The federation is actively planning a broader range of triathlon and duathlon events for the next season. A strategic focus on increasing registered clubs and certified coaches nationwide underlines Namibia’s commitment to a sustainable development pathway.
In particular, multisport coaching initiatives are being enhanced through partnerships with schools, regional sports officers, and community coaches — creating more accessible opportunities for young athletes across the country.
Special Projects & DNSS Implementation
A key part of Namibia’s development agenda is the Development of National Sports System (DNSS) project funded by IOC Olympic Solidarity, which has successfully established new training groups in previously inactive regions such as Walvis Bay. Here, De La Rey has worked closely with two community coaches to create a small but active multisport group of ten young athletes, now forming the foundation for a new club. Expansion into northern Namibia is already underway, with plans to identify additional local coaches and youth participants.
In addition, De La Rey has implemented testing and benchmarking tools across swimming, cycling, and running to monitor athletes’ progress and optimise performance, particularly for those on the Youth Olympic Games pathway.
Looking ahead, the federation is exploring regional training camps for junior athletes, including collaboration with neighbouring countries, providing tactical racing experience and international exposure — an essential step for Olympic and Commonwealth Games preparation.
Appreciation & Sponsorship
The Namibia Triathlon Federation extends sincere thanks to its sponsors for their support:
- Seawork and Prosperity Health – main sponsors for the Africa Premium Cup and Winter Duathlon Series
- Deopharma – nutrition sponsor
- Hydroweld – technical and event support
Special recognition is given to the Executive Committee and, notably, Adele De La Rey, whose dedication as both a coach and administrator has been instrumental in achieving the federation’s goals.
“Seeing new training groups start where the sport didn’t exist before has been incredibly encouraging. Coaching the next generation and building pathways for young athletes is at the heart of our work.” – Adele De La Rey
Building a Sustainable Future
From hosting continental competitions to establishing new grassroots training groups, the Namibia Triathlon Federation continues to demonstrate how targeted development, education, and strong leadership can transform a sport’s landscape.
At the centre of that progress is Adele De La Rey — combining her experience as an athlete, expertise as a Level 2 World Triathlon Certified Coach, and leadership as Secretary General to guide the federation’s long-term vision.
Her presence as a female coach and federation leader is particularly significant in regions where women remain under-represented in technical and governance roles. By mentoring young athletes, supporting community coaches, and leading national development projects, she is helping to shape not only Namibia’s triathlon pathway but also a more diverse and inclusive future for the sport across Africa.