The term triathlon refers to an athletic competition consisting of three different sports events completed consecutively. Although the competition typically includes bicycling, long-distance running and swimming, some triathlons involve other sports. The principal goal of traditional triathlons is to complete all three events the fastest to win the race by finishing with the lowest total time of all participants.
Significance of Triathlon
An early form of triathlon originated in France in the 1920s, and the San Diego Track Club created the modern version of the competition in the United States in the 1970s. The first instance of the American triathlon required completing a 500-meter swim, an 8-kilometer cycle and a 10-kilometer run. By 2000, the year the triathlon became an official Olympic event at the Sydney Games in Australia, the standard version comprised an initial 1,500-meter swim, followed by a 40-kilometer cycle and then a final 10-kilometer run. Men and women usually compete separately in triathlons, including at the Olympics.
Swimming
Traditional triathlons begin with the swim. Triathlons with less-experienced athletes often use a pool for the swimming segment, but triathlons with seasoned athletes typically involve swimming in open water such as an ocean. The location of the swim is important because athletes require different gear for the two types. In addition to the basic goggles and swimming cap that athletes need for both settings, open-water swims also require a wetsuit, especially if the water is cold. Wetsuits help athletes swim better by keeping them warm and improving their ability to float.
Bicycling
After completing the swimming event, triathlon participants continue directly to their bicycle for the cycling segment. The stage where athletes move from one segment of the triathlon to the next, known as "the transition," occurs seamlessly without a break. Participants must move as quickly as possible to avoid slowing down, while also changing into the attire they need for the new event, including shoes. Athletes can keep on the same thing they wore for the previous swim, but they usually need additional cushioning material in the area where they sit on the saddle of their bicycle. All competitors require a helmet, however, as well as a properly maintained bicycle.
Running
The run concludes traditional triathlons and provides participants with a final opportunity to push ahead of other competitors. As with the cycling event, athletes tend to wear the same attire as in the previous segment. Yet, because running for long distances requires shoes that protect and cushion the feet, many triathlon participants change their footwear during the transition from the cycle to the run. The best running shoes are comfortable and appropriate for the way each athlete runs.
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