"We are always looking to evolve the sport," she said.

"And with that in mind it has been easy for us because we don't have long traditions and people saying, 'This is what we did for 20 years.'

"We draw strength from being a young, fresh sport and being open to new ideas.

"We have been able to develop and spread the sport through duathlon, which is run/bike/run, and the aquathlon, which is run/swim/run.

"Duathlon enables us to go to different places where maybe they have problem with the water where the quality is not fit for swimming.

"Competing over shorter distances allows us to grow a lot in more places.

"It is easier to arrange an event that takes only one hour."

Casado is now pushing hard to get the mixed team relay event - which held its own World Championships since 2009 and is due to make its debut in a major event at this year's Commonealth Games in Glasgow - introduced to the Olympic programme for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) IOC Extraordinary Session convenes in Monte Carlo on December 6 and 7. 

Germany celebrate after winning the World Mixed Team triathlon title in Hamburg last year ©ITU/Getty Images

"Mixed team relay is done over a very short distance, and it gives to the sport something very important, a sense of team building," she said.

"Ours is an individual sport but our athletes are always really happy to compete as a team.

"It's the same kind of feeling tennis players have when they come together for the Davis Cup.

"We tried very hard to get the event included for the Rio 2016 Games but it was not possible because the IOC decided not to make any change in Rio.

"But I hope that by the end of this year the programme for Tokyo 2020 will have some changes.

"We will have to see what President Bach announces at the IOC Session in Monte Carlo in December.

"I think in this session probably some changes that we were looking for before, making it possible to have the mixed team event, will be decided.

"I am hopeful. I was with President Bach last year in Hamburg where we held the Mixed Relay World Championships, and he liked it a lot. Maybe this is not enough to persuade the IOC - but we will see!"

For more of insidethegames' exclusive interview click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2013: Germany wins Mixed Relay World Triathlon title on home soil
July 2013: Exclusive - Decision not to include mixed relay at Rio 2016 is only "temporary setback" says triathlon chief
August 2012: Brownlee the hero as Britain retains mixed relay world title
May 2012: Glasgow 2014 unveil sports programme with triathlon mixed relay set to debut at Commonwealth Games
April 2011: Team events added to ITU World Championship Series as push for Rio 2016 continues