Triathlon

This article is about a type of three-sport athletic competition. For other uses, see Triathlon (disambiguation).

Triathlon
Triathlon venue at the 2024 Summer Olympics
Highest governing bodyWorld Triathlon
First played1920s
Characteristics
ContactNo
TypeEndurance sport
EquipmentTriathlon equipment
Presence
Country or regionWorldwide
Olympic2000 – present
ParalympicParatriathlon, 2016 – present
World Games1989 (invitational) – 1993
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A triathlon is an endurance multisport race consisting of swimming, cycling, and running over various distances.[1] Triathletes compete for fastest overall completion time, racing each segment sequentially with the time transitioning between the disciplines included.[1][2][3] The word is of Greek origin, from τρεῖς (treîs), 'three', and ἆθλος (âthlos), 'competition'.[4]

The sport originated in the late 1970s[5] in Southern California as sports clubs and individuals developed the sport. This history has meant that variations of the sport were created and still exist. It also led to other three-stage races using the name triathlon despite not being continuous or not consisting of swim, bike, and run elements.[6]

Triathletes train to achieve endurance, strength and speed. The sport requires focused persistent and periodised training for each of the three disciplines, as well as combination workouts and general strength conditioning.[7]

  1. ^ a b Garrett, William E.; Kirkendall, Donald T. (2000). Exercise and sport science. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 919. ISBN 978-0-683-03421-9.
  2. ^ Mora, John (2009). Triathlon 101 (2 ed.). Human Kinetics. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-7360-7944-0.
  3. ^ Schneider, Terri (2008). Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique, and Inspiration. The Mountaineers Books. p. 138. ISBN 978-1-59485-096-7.
  4. ^ Matlow, Jeff (Winter 2011). "Triathlon". USA Triathlon Life. p. 101.
  5. ^ "Triathlon | Nutrition, Gear & Race Prep | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  6. ^ Holland, Tom (2005). "Chapter 9: Triathlon Training". The 12-Week Triathlete: Train for a Triathlon in Just Three Months. Fair Winds. pp. 123–129. ISBN 978-1-59233-126-0.
  7. ^ Holland, Tom (2005). "Chapter 9: Triathlon Training". The 12-Week Triathlete: Train for a Triathlon in Just Three Months. Fair Winds. pp. 123–129. ISBN 978-1-59233-126-0.