Ai Ueda has been competing in ITU competition since 2002 ©Getty Images

Ai Ueda of Japan has joined the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Executive Board as the second representative of the Athletes collective.

The 36-year-old has been competing in ITU competitions since 2002, triumphing at the Duathlon World Championships in 2013 and the Asian Games in 2014. 

Her long career has seen her participate in a record amount of races, reaching 200 last year at the Santo Domingo World Cup.

Ueda also represented Japan at three Olympics, finishing 17th at Beijing 2008 and 39th at London 2012 and Rio 2016. 

The ITU Executive Committee took the decision last year to welcome a second representative of the Athlete's Committee.

Ai Ueda is aiming to qualify for Tokyo 2020, her fourth Olympic Games ©Getty Images
Ai Ueda is aiming to qualify for Tokyo 2020, her fourth Olympic Games ©Getty Images

They implemented this decision to increase the female presence on the ITU Executive Committee, as well as give athletes more voting rights when it comes to decision-making. 

Ueda was selected by her fellow Committee members as the new Board representative, starting her duties this month. 

She will be on the Board as she attempts to qualify for her fourth Olympics, Tokyo 2020. 

Tamás Tóth of Hungary is the other athlete representative, elected until 2021.