McDonald will retire at the end of year, making way for Marisol Casado who will run unopposed for ITU presidency. 

 McDonald, who was born in the North of England before emigrating to Canada,  was ITU's first and only president and has largely been credited for triathlon's inclusion onto the Olympic programme. 

 But in his speech to the various athletes and National Federations in attendance, he was quick to credit another man.

 He said: "We did get into the Olympic Games because of [former International Olympic Committee President] Juan Antonio Samaranch. 

 "We should never forget that."

 McDonald recalled how Samaranch appointed long-time IOC member Gunnar Ericsson to be his guide to get into the Olympic Games. 

 He said: "He became the dad I never had.

 McDonald was honoured with several speeches, a video tribute on his life and a standing ovation. 

 He also announced he will soon be succeeded by Casado of Spain, who will lead ITU along with ITU executive director Loreen Barnett, who will run uncontested as secretary general.

 Also honoured for his contribution to triathlon was Igaya, who was stepping down as ITU vice-president. 

 Also an IOC Vice-President, Igaya has been an instrumental mentor for McDonald, Barnett and members of ITU's ruling Executive Board. 

 He recalled his first meeting with ITU staff more than 20 years ago and marvelled at how far the organisation and the sport has come.

 Igaya said: "I've never seen so many triathlon officials with such happy faces. 

 "I think this success is all thanks to you and I hope you'll keep on doing this.

 "The credit goes to everybody but of course to Les McDonald, without his charismatic leadership, his devotion to sports, his wisdom and innovative mind, triathlon wouldn't be here today."

 The 2008 overall World Cup series champion Warriner made the long trip from New Zealand to accept her trophy. 

 She said: "It's a long way to come from New Zealand but now that I'm here I'm so glad I'm here. 

 "You don't realise how many people work behind the scenes and they're the ones that put on the races. 

 "We turn up to race but don't really get to say thank you.

 "Just listening to what everyone had to say about Les and what's he's done, I didn't appreciate what he's done until I sat here. 

 "To be here is the best feeling ever and I'm so glad I came. 

 "It's an honour to be here and to be recognised for it."

 ITU also recognised the achievement of triathlon's new Olympic gold medallist Frodeno of Germany who came to Madrid to help pay tribute to McDonald.

 He said: "It's a time to recognise the people who have brought our sport to where it has come. 

 "It's the end of an era coming up and I do recognize all Les' effort and all his work. 

 "2009 is the year for two very strong women coming in [at ITU leadership]. 

 "I think it will be very exciting and a great time to put our sport even further forward."

 The ITU's 21st Congress gets underway at 9am tomorrow in Madrid. 

 Casado will officially be elected as just the second president in ITU's history and Barnett will officially assume the role as secretary general. 

 Britain's Sarah Springman is also due to be elected unopposed as one of four ITU vice-presidents.