The first triathlon was organised on Sept 25 1974, in Mission Bay, San Diego, California. It now consists of a 1500 metres open water swim, a 40km cycle ride and a 10km run. The International Triathlon Union (ITU) was founded in May 1989 in Avignon, France, and the town staged the first world championships in August of the same year. Triathlon made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Games in Sydney where 500,000 spectators watched the event.
Men's and women's events.
There will be 55 men and 55 women. Eight top-ranking countries allowed 3 athletes per event and the others will be allowed a maximum of 2.
Aug. 18 ? women Aug. 19 ? men
Men: Hamish Carter (New Zealand) Women: Kate Allen (Austria)
Ming Tomb reservoir in northern Beijing *Reuters
