Triathlon
Triathlon is a sporting event that is composed of swimming, Running and Cycling. This event is known for its heavy demand on each competitor’s endurance and fighting spirit. This article will discuss the history as well as some of the nitty gritty of this popular competition.
History
Some time in the 1920s and 1930s, there have been competitions held in France which were very similar to Triathlon. Known in French as ‘Les trois sports’ or the three sports, it also involved Running, biking and swimming. The distances in these competitions were still varied at that time.
Several decades later, the first modern Triathlon event was held during the awards ceremony of the Oahu Perimeter Relay in 1977. Called the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon, the participants of the event included runners and swimmers who debated which of the two groups were fitter. To end the debate, a race was held which involved what used to be three disparate events: Running, Cycling and swimming. The winner of the event was Gordon Haller.
Triathlon made its Olympic debut in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The so-called Olympic Distance was used during the event which entails 1.5 km of swimming, 40 km of biking and 10 km of Running.
Variations
Although there is a so-called Olympic Distance in Triathlon, there are numerous events held which use a non-standard approach when it comes to distance as well as the type and number of disciplines involved.
Below are some of those variations:
- Duathlon – an event much like Triathlon, albeit without the swimming stage. Instead, it involves Running, a Cycling stage and then another Running stage.
- Aquathlon – an event which involves only Running and swimming stages
- Ultraman Triathlon – Probably the most challenging of all variations, this event covers a mind-boggling 320 miles.
- Winter Triathlon – this event involves Mountain Biking, Cross-country Skiing or outdoor-ice speed skating, plus the usual Running stage.
If you are the type of person who loves to push yourself to the limit then joining a Triathlon event is a great way to do so. A word of caution, though - since this is a very challenging sport, it is good to have yourself checked up by your doctor first if you are fit enough to do this. Otherwise, you may be putting yourself into a whole lot of trouble.
|
|
|
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
Home
Print Article
Email Article
Comment on Article
Write New Article
Search Articles
