Triathlon: Baker inducted into ITU hall of fame

New Zealand's Erin Baker has been inducted into the International Triathlon Union's (ITU) new Hall of Fame.

The former world champion was among seven people nominated as part of the ITU's 25th anniversary celebrations.

Australian duo Emma Carney and Greg Welch were also named inducted along with Americans Karen Smyers, Mark Allen - the first men's ITU world champion - and Great Britain's Simon Lessing.

Baker won the 1989 world championship in Avignon to become the first ever world champion.

Former ITU president Les McDonald, credited with getting triathlon added to the Olympic Games program, was also inducted for his lifetime achievements.

"It is a great privilege to induct these nominees into the first Hall of Fame," said ITU President Marisol Casado.

"They set a standard of excellence from the very beginning that was crucial to the development of both triathlon and ITU.

"Without them, we would not enjoy the global level of exposure and Olympic standard of competition that we have today."