Courtesy: USAT

USA Triathlon Executive Director Steve Locke announced his resignation Monday, citing disagreement with the organization's Board of Directors and continuing health problems.

"I regretfully resign the position of executive director," Locke said in an e-mail sent on Monday. "I do not agree with the direction this Board of Directors is taking."

In a meeting with USA Triathlon staff, Locke also said he needed to focus on his battle against prostate cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in November of 2003.

Locke became executive director of Triathlon Federation USA (now USA Triathlon) in 1991. At that time, the organization sanctioned approximately 375 events and had a membership of 11,000. In 2003, the organization sanctioned more than 900 events and has an annual membership of more than 47,000. Its budget is more than $5 million.

During Locke's tenure, the sport of triathlon was admitted to the Pan American Games, and then into the Olympic Games.

"Steve Locke is leaving the organization in a much better state than when he came to it," said B.J. Hoeptner Evans, communications and media relations manager. "The USA Triathlon staff was stunned when he made his announcement. We all agree that his leadership has been integral to the success of triathlon and multi-sport."

Locke's resignation is effective immediately. USA Triathlon Deputy Director Tim Yount will assume the duties of executive director until a new one can be named.