Tampa, Fla.  — World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the portfolio that includes Ironman, 70.3, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, announces a new qualifying policy for its professional athletes. This policy will come into effect September 1, 2010, and all pro athletes attempting to qualify for the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, will be eligible.

The new qualifying policy has been developed to account for the growth in Ironman events worldwide. The new policy, based on qualifying points rather than spots, has been designed with the following objectives in mind:

-To ensure that the ‘best of the best’ are at the start line in Kona.

-To create a racing environment conducive to exciting and tactical competition

-To allow for the development of the next generation of pro athletes.

Ironman pro liaison and former World Champion, Heather Fuhr commented, “The Pro Policy was developed with input from our professional athletes and we feel it will bring a heightened level of interest to our qualifying process throughout the entire competitive season.”

Pro rankings will be regularly updated and available to athletes, media and fans through the Ironman Pro Membership website. “The availability of easily understood and current rankings will build the media and public following of the sport, much like the FedExCup Points or Formula One World Champion points do throughout the season.” said LAVA Magazine publisher, John Duke.