It started on the beaches of Mission Bay, California, when 46 people paid US$1 each to participate in the first ever official triathlon. Since that day, back in 1974, triathlon has grown into an Olympic sport and one that millions around the world now enjoy.
On 25 September 2014, triathlon celebrated 40 years and USA Triathlon is now celebrating what made the first 40 years… In honour of the first-ever triathlon held in San Diego’s Mission Bay, USA Triathlon has special coverage online and in USA Triathlon Magazine to highlight top historical moments that have helped the sport grow to what it is today.
As part of the 40th anniversary coverage, USA Triathlon has outlined the 40 Bricks that Built Triathlon. These top-40 moments, called bricks as a play on the term for training for two parts of a triathlon, showcase important dates in the history of the sport.
These include: Olympic and Paralympic Games inclusion, the first Age Group National Championships in 1983 and the creation of the Ironman triathlon. The ‘number 1 moment’, unveiled yesterday, looks back at the first triathlon, held in 1974 by Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan. The event consisted of a 6-mile run, 5-mile bike and a 500-yard swim.
The complete listing of the 40 Bricks that Built Triathlon is available at usatriathlon.org/bricks.
In order to determine the top moments, USA Triathlon began taking nominations from members of the multisport community over the summer. Once the list was narrowed down to 40 moments, USA Triathlon and key players in the early days of the sport ranked the list and the top 11-40 moments were announced on 4 September. Fan voting determined the order of the top-10 moments.
Additionally, the Fall 2014 issue of USA Triathlon Magazine also celebrates 40 years of the sport of triathlon. From Mission Bay in 1974 to Milwaukee in 2014 and everything in between, the issue includes features on US Olympians, the Bud Light US Triathlon Series, nutrition’s evolution, the sport’s willingness to adopt new technology/gear and more.
Plus, some of the sport’s key figures share their favorite triathlon memories. The magazine will hit mailboxes on 16-21 October. Athletes, fans (and those to be inspired!) can learn more about the past four decades of triathlon at usatriathlon.org/40years, complete with photos, USA Triathlon member stories and more.
