| It all started with the debate of who's the best- the | | | | standards as recommended by the triathlon |
| runners, the swimmers or the cyclists? We all know | | | | governing body. |
| that they have their individual fortes but during the | | | | Since the adaptation of the Sydney Olympic triathlon, |
| 1920's, when the first triathlons were held, this topic | | | | many triathlon competitions have also conformed |
| had been ringing wild in the sports world. | | | | with the sequences of courses that Olympics follows. |
| To put a stop on this, a Navy Commander named | | | | The official Olympic distances are swimming- 1500 m, |
| Cdr. John Collins initiated an event wherein swimming, | | | | cycling- 40 km and running- 10 km. |
| cycling and running routines are involved. | | | | Aside from the classic swim-bike-run courses, there |
| An athletic event composed of three contests, | | | | are numerous others that include combinations of |
| triathlon also covers the measurement of a person's | | | | these three in varying orders and styles, breaks and |
| proficiency in maximizing his time off the intervals. | | | | performances. |
| Plus the capacity to endure the subsequent stages | | | | There are also non-standard variations that allow |
| of the activity. | | | | cross-country skiing plus or outdoor-ice skating, |
| Though its earlier versions were much less rigid, | | | | running and mountain biking. Other popular triathlons |
| modern-day triathlon has now truly become a sport | | | | cover trail running for off-road competitions. |
| for the tough and the tough-hearted. Since the year | | | | For typical races, competitors are allowed to set their |
| of its founding, the competition has morphed into | | | | racks an hour before the race starts. Racks in the |
| varied classes of races with millions of racers | | | | transition area (where the course normally changes |
| competing for the title of Iron Man each year. | | | | from bike to swim or swim to run) include stuffs like |
| Because of the variability by which the triathlon has | | | | clothing, shoes and bicycles. |
| grown, it is expected that it has created numerous | | | | Racers are categorized using various factors such as |
| types of races, variations and modifications that are | | | | age bracket, level of experience (professional or |
| in line with the general pattern of the competition. | | | | amateur) and sometimes, on weight basis. Though |
| There had been lots of discussions on what form/s | | | | the latter is not officially used in Olympic |
| must be adopted yet everything is still subject to | | | | competitions. Age groups, on the other hand, are |
| studies. Nevertheless, all variations, either short | | | | fixed on a 5-year of 10-year basis. |
| courses of full courses, must conform to the | | | | |