Facts about Triathlons and Triathlon Gear

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Facts about Triathlons and Triathlon Gear

Posted On : Nov-30-2011 | seen (666) times | Article Word Count : 481 |

Triathlons are a multi-sport event that consists of three legs: swimming, cycling, and running. It's an event that requires lots of training because of the staying power it demands of its competitors. At times, the key to success is in proper triathlon gear.

History of the Triathlon

Seeing as they're barely a hundred years old, triathlons are still a relatively young event. The activity has its roots in 1920s France. Back then, the French took part in what was called les trois sports. Although the event is verified to have consisted of a combination of swimming, cycling, and running, it is not clear if they were always done in that order.

In 1974, running enthusiasts Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan set up the basis for the modern triathlon. Together, they came up with the idea of combining the three sports into one major test of endurance. The event happened in Mission Bay, San Diego and had 46 participants. It was made up of 6 miles of running, 5 miles of bicycle riding, and 500 yards of swimming.

Two years later, during the awards ceremony for the 1977 Oahu Perimeter relay, an argument started. Competitors argued about which of the three sports demanded the most endurance. US Navy Commander John Collins, familiar with the race in San Diego, declared that the case should be resolved in that manner. Collins came up with the total distance for each event and stated: "Whoever finishes first, we'll call him the Iron Man." Today's greatest endurance event had been born; the Ironman Triathlon. Today, the event continues to consist of 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running all completed one after the other.

Back in the day, racers wore the most basic gear when participating in the event. As a result of developments in science and technology, triathlon gear today aren't what they used to be.

History of Orca Wetsuits

In 1992, a former New Zealand triathlon champion by the name of Scott Unsworth retired from the sport because of a back injury. Upon retiring from active training for the events, Unsworth became a swim coach. It was during this time that he stumbled upon the realisation that the wetsuits he had for racing were not right. He then set up shop in Auckland, and started developing his idea of the "speedsuit," the prototype of the Orca wetsuit.

Due to the success of his wetsuits, the business made a decision to branch out in 1996. Today, Orca supplies triathletes with not only premium, high quality wetsuits, but other triathlon gear as well. The growth of the company could be linked to their cutting edge materials and design. Among their list of valued clientele are triathlon legends Hammish Carter, Craig Alexander, Cameron Brown, and Chris McCormack.

These athletes have acknowledged that success in triathlons don't depend on endurance alone, but in wearing the right gear also. Aspiring or seasoned triathletes who want to mimic the achievements of legends should understand this. Proper gear contributes to the making of a successful triathlete.

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<h1>Facts about Triathlons and Triathlon Gear</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Natasha Dale.aspx'>Natasha Dale</a> History of the Triathlon

Seeing as they're barely a hundred years old, triathlons are still a relatively young event. The activity has its roots in 1920s France. Back then, the French took part in what was called les trois sports. Although the event is verified to have consisted of a combination of swimming, cycling, and running, it is not clear if they were always done in that order.

In 1974, running enthusiasts Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan set up the basis for the modern triathlon. Together, they came up with the idea of combining the three sports into one major test of endurance. The event happened in Mission Bay, San Diego and had 46 participants. It was made up of 6 miles of running, 5 miles of bicycle riding, and 500 yards of swimming.

Two years later, during the awards ceremony for the 1977 Oahu Perimeter relay, an argument started. Competitors argued about which of the three sports demanded the most endurance. US Navy Commander John Collins, familiar with the race in San Diego, declared that the case should be resolved in that manner. Collins came up with the total distance for each event and stated: "Whoever finishes first, we'll call him the Iron Man." Today's greatest endurance event had been born; the Ironman Triathlon. Today, the event continues to consist of 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running all completed one after the other.

Back in the day, racers wore the most basic gear when participating in the event. As a result of developments in science and technology, triathlon gear today aren't what they used to be.

History of Orca Wetsuits

In 1992, a former New Zealand triathlon champion by the name of Scott Unsworth retired from the sport because of a back injury. Upon retiring from active training for the events, Unsworth became a swim coach. It was during this time that he stumbled upon the realisation that the wetsuits he had for racing were not right. He then set up shop in Auckland, and started developing his idea of the "speedsuit," the prototype of the Orca wetsuit.

Due to the success of his wetsuits, the business made a decision to branch out in 1996. Today, Orca supplies triathletes with not only premium, high quality wetsuits, but other triathlon gear as well. The growth of the company could be linked to their cutting edge materials and design. Among their list of valued clientele are triathlon legends Hammish Carter, Craig Alexander, Cameron Brown, and Chris McCormack.

These athletes have acknowledged that success in triathlons don't depend on endurance alone, but in wearing the right gear also. Aspiring or seasoned triathletes who want to mimic the achievements of legends should understand this. Proper gear contributes to the making of a successful triathlete. About the Author: Natasha Dale is a triathlete who has used <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fastgear.com.au/">orca wetsuits</a> before for training and competition. For more information on how these can help you, learn about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fastgear.com.au/">triathlon gear</a>. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Facts-about-Triathlons-and-Triathlon-Gear_112242.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Facts about Triathlons and Triathlon Gear_112242.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Facts about Triathlons and Triathlon Gear_112242.aspx

Author Resource :
Natasha Dale is a triathlete who has used orca wetsuits before for training and competition. For more information on how these can help you, learn about triathlon gear.

Keywords : orca wetsuits, triathlon gear,

Category : Recreation and Sports : Recreation and Sports

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