Les McDonald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Les McDonald
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McDonald in 1987
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| Born | 30 April 1933 Felling, Tyne and Wear, England
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| Died | 4 September 2017 (aged 84) Vancouver, BC, Canada
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| Citizenship | British, Canadian |
| Organization | International Triathlon Union |
| Title | President |
| Term | 1989-2008 |
| Successor | Marisol Casado |
| Awards | BC Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, ITU Hall of Game, IOC Women and Sport Award |
| Honours | Order of Canada, Olympic Order |
Les McDonald (born April 30, 1933 – died September 4, 2017) was a Canadian athlete and sports leader. He helped create the sport of triathlon as we know it today.
Les McDonald was the first President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU). He led the organization from 1989 to 2008. After that, he became an Honorary President until he passed away in 2017.
He is best known for helping to get triathlon into the Olympic Games. The first Olympic triathlon race happened at the Sydney Olympics in Australia in 2000.
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Who Was Les McDonald?
Les McDonald was born in England in 1933. He later became a Canadian citizen. He was a very important person in the world of sports. He worked hard to make triathlon a global sport.
Bringing Triathlon to the Olympics
Triathlon combines three sports: swimming, cycling, and running. It is a challenging and exciting event. Les McDonald believed it belonged in the Olympics. He worked for many years to make this happen. His efforts paid off when triathlon became an official Olympic sport. This was a huge step for the sport. It allowed athletes from all over the world to compete on the biggest stage.
Awards and Recognition
Les McDonald received many honors for his work. He was inducted into several halls of fame.
- He joined the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 2007.
- The BC Sports Hall of Fame welcomed him in 2009.
- He also became a member of the ITU Hall of Fame in 2014.
In 2010, he received the Olympic Order. This is a special award from the International Olympic Committee. It recognizes people who have made great contributions to the Olympic movement.
Order of Canada
In 2013, Les McDonald was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. It recognizes people who have made a big difference to Canada. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, presented him with this award. It showed how much his country appreciated his dedication to sports.
Les McDonald's legacy continues to inspire athletes and sports leaders. He helped make triathlon a popular and respected sport worldwide.
