Triathlon

The grueling Beijing Olympic triathlon course is located in the scenic Ming Tomb Reservoir in Changping District of northern Beijing. Emma Snowsill and Brad Kahlefeldt are expected to lead the chase for Australia's first Olympic triathlon gold.

 

 

Australia and Olympic Triathlon

The women’s triathlon race in Sydney was the first of the 300 events decided at the 2000 Games. Australia's Michellie Jones, the twice world champion (1992 and 1993), finished a close second behind Brigitte McMahon of Switzerland in a sprint finish on the Opera House forecourt. At Athens 2004 Loretta Harrop led for most of the event only to be passed with 400m left in the run and another silver. The best-performed Australian male triathlete has been Greg Bennett who finished fourth in Athens. Multiple World Champion Emma Snowsill will lead the Australian charge in Beijing.

Olympic History

Triathlon was awarded full medal status on the Olympic program in 1994 at the International Olympic Committee’s Congress. The sport made its Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games.

Gold Medal Winners at the Past Three Olympic Games

Men
Atlanta 1996 - not held
Sydney 2000 - Simon WHITFIELD (CAN)
Athens 2004 - Hamish CARTER (NZL)

Women
Atlanta 1996 - not held
Sydney 2000 - Brigette MCMAHON (SWI)
Athens 2004 - Kate ALLEN (AUT)