Triathlon – Summer Games 2024
The format of the triathlon at the Summer Games combines a 1,500m swim, a 40km cycle and, finally, a 10km run. There is no qualification, simply a single race at the end of which the fastest athlete is crowned the winner. At Paris 2024, the men will start the mixed relay event and the women will cross the finish line. This is the opposite to the Tokyo Games, where the women started, and the men finished. In 2024, the triathlon events will start at Pont Alexandre III.
Schedule
Records
Double Gold - Men:
Alistair Brownlee of Great Britain achieved the rare feat of winning consecutive gold medals in men's triathlon at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games.
Double Gold - Women:
Gwen Jorgensen of the United States won gold in the women's triathlon at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games, marking a historic achievement for American triathletes.
General Triathlon Records:
Summer Games Debut:
Triathlon made its Summer Games debut at the Sydney 2000 Summer Games. Since then, it has been a regular feature in the Summer Games program.
Sprint and Standard Distances:
Summer Games triathlon involves both men's and women's events, and athletes compete in two distances: the standard distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run) and the sprint distance (0.75 km swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run).
Did you know that..
Transition Area:
Triathlons feature a unique transition area where athletes switch from swimming to cycling and then to running. Efficient transitions play a crucial role in overall race performance.
2. Drafting Rules:
Drafting, where athletes closely follow each other on the bike to reduce wind resistance, is regulated in Summer Games triathlons. The rules aim to maintain fair competition and prevent unfair advantages.
3. Mixed Relay Introduced:
The mixed relay, a team event with two men and two women completing short triathlon legs, was introduced to the Summer Games program at the Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021) Summer Games. It adds an exciting team dynamic to the sport.