Europe Triathlon

It is with great sadness that ETU announces Mart Haruoja, founder of the Estonian Triathlon Association, has passed away on 10 January 2011.

Mart Haruoja has been the delegate of Estonian Triathlon Association at ETU Congresses over the last 10 years and our triathlon family in Europe knew him well.

The first race in Estonia was organised in 1984, after which Mart worked hard to build the Triathlon Association in Estonia. In 1987, Mart established the first Estonian triathlon club. At the time, Estonia was not an independent country, however, Mart secured a visa via Moscow to enable him to attend the European Triathlon Union Congress in Joroinen, Finland.

Mart took part in the European Championships in Ironman distance and received the invitation to compete in the Hawaiian Ironman in Kona. Mart Haruoja has the special honour of being the first man from Estonia to compete in the Hawaiian Ironman event.

Until his death, Mart Haruoja lived an active life, continuing to train hard and compete in at least one Ironman race a year. He dreamed to compete in a Hawaiian Ironman at the age of 70 years old. However, his goal is now sadly unable to be reached.

In a statement from the Estonian Triathlon Association, Tiina Pallas (ETA Secretary-General), “Mart has always been very intelligent, positive, happy and funny. He supported our youth to train more and to build up their dreams in sport. We have lost our very good friend and a very important person in Estonian triathlon. Let us keep our memories of Mart Haruoja alive!”

Mart has played a vital role in developing and supporting triathlon in Estonia.  Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.