Dibens Takes On Ambassador Role In Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon will have a new women's champion in 2012.

Photo: Aaron Hersh

Published February 22, 2012 11:51AM

Great Britain’s Julie Dibens will give up her title as the only woman to ever win the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon as she takes on an ambassador role with the race. Dibens has been dealing with a nagging foot injury and will not make the start in Abu Dhabi.

PHOTOS: Julie Dibens In Abu Dhabi

See the press release from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon below:

Great Britain’s Julie Dibens – the double Abu Dhabi International Triathlon champion, and the only female athlete to have won the flagship event – will return to the UAE capital next month as official ambassador and guest commentator for the 2012 showdown.

The 36-year-old British short-course expert is returning in a non racing capacity due to a minor injury which will count her out of the Abu Dhabi elite race on March 3, 2012.

And despite not being able to compete, Dibens, who notched her first long distance win in the UAE capital two years ago, is eager to share her experiences as one of the world’s top traithletes with the 1,700 registered local, elite and age group race hopefuls in the emirate for the US$250,000 event.

PHOTOS: Look Back On The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

“It is great to be able to stay involved in the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon this year despite not being able to race. There are few events on the planet that have such a world class city, organisation, culture and professional athlete field behind them. I will miss competing but I am glad I don’t need to miss the race itself. I look forward to returning in 2013,” said Dibens, who represented Great Britain in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

“I’m also looking forward to meeting new athletes, seeing old friends and staying in the fantastic hotel Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan. Come race day I’ll be experiencing the event from a very different perspective but I will be on the edge of my seat watching the action unfold.”

Julie Dibens