Triathlon

The three events that make up a triathlon appeared in the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. They are swimming, cycling and running. Fast forward to 1972 and a 10-km run and half-mile swim took place in California. Two years later in San Diego, a cycling component was added – and triathlon was born. In fact that first event was a run-bike-swim-run-swim-race.

Since then, triathlon has gained tremendous popularity as an extreme fitness test. The sport grew quickly all over the world. At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, triathlon made its debut to sold-out crowds. Canada's Simon Whitfield won that inaugural gold medal on the men's side. Triathlon made its Pan American Games debut in 1995.

At both the Olympic and Pan American Games, triathlon comprises a 1,500-metre open water swim, 40 km of cycling, and a 10,000-metre run. No more than 50 athletes take part.

All swimming strokes are permitted. At the end of the swim, and as well as the cycle portion, race competitors must pass through a "transition zone", where they may change clothing and footwear if they wish. From the swim to the cycle, competitors are not allowed to mount their bikes until outside this zone. At the end of the cycle they must dismount before entering the transition zone.

Drafting (riding in the slipstream of another cyclist), is permitted. Though it can vary depending on conditions and course difficulty, the men's triathlon is won in approximately 100 minutes and the women's race 110 minutes.

Athletes

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