Triathlon made its Olympic debut at Sydney 2000, marking the sport's first inclusion in the Games with 100 competitors from around the world.
Key Facts
- Olympic debut
- First triathlon event in Olympic history
- Total competitors
- 100 athletes
- Female event date
- September 16, 2000
- Male event date
- September 17, 2000
- Swim distance
- 1500 metres
- Bike + Run distances
- 40 km bike, 10 km run
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After years of growth as an international sport, triathlon was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee and added to the Olympic programme. Sydney 2000 was designated as the venue for its inaugural appearance, with 48 women and 52 men qualifying to compete.
At the Sydney Opera House precinct, competitors completed a 1500-metre swim, a 40-kilometre road bicycle race, and a 10-kilometre road run in continuous sequence with no rest between disciplines. The women's race took place on September 16 and the men's on September 17, 2000.
The successful staging of triathlon at Sydney 2000 established it as a permanent Olympic discipline, raising the sport's global profile and encouraging wider participation. Subsequent Olympic cycles continued to feature triathlon, and the format used in Sydney became the standard for Olympic-distance triathlon worldwide.
Result
at Sydney Opera House precinct, Sydney, Australia