Triathlon is the combination of three Olympic sports: swimming, cycling and running, performed consecutively without a break, which requires extreme endurance from the more than one million practitioners around the world. Today, we’re going to tell you what we know about this sport, as well as introducing you to the biggest names in triathlon today!
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Read on to find out who the biggest names in triathlon today are!
Biggest names in Triathlon today: historical context
Triathlon is a relatively young sport, with its first documented competitions taking place in the 1970s.
The origin of the sport is generally associated with California, United States, where a group of outdoor enthusiasts were looking for a new challenge that combined different athletic disciplines.
The first competition recognized as a modern triathlon took place in Mission Bay, San Diego, in 1974, organized by Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in triathlon today are!
Triathlon began to gain popularity rapidly after the first competition in Mission Bay.
In 1978, the Ironman was created in Hawaii, combining a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km cycle and a 42.2 km marathon, becoming one of the sport’s most iconic events.
This extreme format highlighted the endurance and versatility required of triathlon athletes, capturing the imagination of the public and the media.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in triathlon today are!
The Triathlon World Cup series began in 1991 with 11 races held in eight different countries. This event quickly popularized the sport and contributed to triathlon being included in the Olympic program for the Sydney Games in 2000.
As it is a relatively new sport, no country has established itself as dominant.
The 39 medals awarded at six Games were distributed among 16 National Olympic Committees, none of which won more than three gold medals, with the exception of the United Kingdom.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in triathlon today are!
Biggest names in Triathlon today: rules and disciplines
Triathlon consists of three sequential disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. The rules vary according to the distance and format of the competition, but some general guidelines include:
Swimming rules
It can be done in the open sea, lakes, rivers or swimming pools. Athletes must follow the marked course and can use different swimming styles, although the crawl is the most common.
Cycling rules
The route is generally on paved roads and may include uphill and downhill sections. Wearing a helmet is compulsory, and athletes must follow traffic rules and may not receive outside assistance.
Race rules
The race concludes the competition and is typically held on paved terrain, although trails may be used in some events. Athletes must follow the marked course to the finish line.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in triathlon today are!
Triathlon disciplines include
- Sprint: 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.
- Olympic: 1.5km swimming, 40km cycling and 10km running.
- Half Ironman: 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run.
- Ironman: 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in triathlon today are!
Biggest names in Triathlon today (Men – World)
Jan Frodeno (Germany)
Three-time winner of the Ironman World Championship.
Alistair Brownlee (United Kingdom)
Two-time Olympic champion.
Vincent Luis (France)
Triathlon world champion.
Biggest names in Triathlon today (Women – World)
Daniela Ryf (Switzerland)
Multiple Ironman World Championship winner.
Katie Zaferes (USA)
Triathlon world champion.
Flora Duffy (Bermuda)
Olympic and world champion.
Biggest names in Triathlon today (Men – Brazil)
Manoel Messias
Brazilian standout in international competitions.
Reinaldo Colucci
Experienced Olympic triathlete.
Biggest names in Triathlon today (Women – Brazil)
Luísa Baptista
Brazil’s representative in international competitions.
Pamella Oliveira
Medalist in Pan-American events.
Which countries could win medals at Paris 2024?
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, countries such as Great Britain, Germany, France and the United States are seen as strong contenders for medals in triathlon, due to their recent record of success and the depth of talent in their teams.
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