COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 27, 2004) - USA Triathlon announced Friday that a Blue-Ribbon Panel chosen by the U.S. Olympic Committee is in place to arbitrate a dispute between a group of six complainants and the USAT Board of Directors regarding the election of certain members to the Board in 2003.

The Blue-Ribbon Panel consists of five individuals involved with the U.S. Olympic movement in aspects other than the sport of triathlon, multi-sport or their component disciplines (swimming, biking and running). Three of the panel members are lawyers, and all are highly qualified. The USOC has given its full support to the athletes, coaches and staff of USA Triathlon and has said that, at this time, direct funding to USA Triathlon will not be affected by the dispute.

"We want people to know that we are moving forward toward resolving this dispute with the support of the USOC," said USA Triathlon Deputy Director Tim Yount. "Meanwhile, the USA Triathlon staff continues to do the work of multi-sport just as it always has. It is business as usual at the USAT National Office."