Triathlon at the 2004 Summer Olympics
The triathlon events of the XXVIII Olympiad showcased some of the world's most versatile athletes, combining endurance and speed across three distinct disciplines. Held in the scenic surroundings of Greece, the competition tested the limits of 100 athletes who gathered to compete for Olympic glory.
Event Overview
The triathlon competitions took place at the Vouliagmeni Olympic Centre from August 25 to 26, 2004. The event featured a balanced field of 100 competitors representing 34 different nations. The competition was split evenly between genders, with 50 women competing on the first day and 50 men competing on the second.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Olympic Course and Format
The 2004 Olympic triathlon followed a standardized distance format designed to challenge athletes in swimming, cycling, and running. The race progressed through the following stages:
- Open Water Swim: A 1500-metre course to start the event.
- Road Bicycle Race: A 40-kilometre cycling leg.
- Road Run: A final 10-kilometre run to the finish line.
A critical component of the race is the transition area. This is the designated zone where athletes switch from swimming to cycling and later from cycling to running. These transitions are performed under the strict scrutiny of judges, and the time spent in these areas is included in the athlete's final overall time.
Pre-Olympic Testing
To ensure the course was ready for the Games, a pre-Olympic test event was held in October 2003. This trial served as a benchmark for the athletes, with Denmark's Rasmus Henning and Australia's Michellie Jones emerging as the winners of the men's and women's events, respectively.
Key Facts
- Venue: Vouliagmeni Olympic Centre.
- Dates: 25–26 August 2004.
- Participants: 100 athletes from 34 nations.
- Course Distance: 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run.
- Timing: Transition times are included in the final race result.
Competition Schedule
The events were scheduled to begin at 10:00 Greece Standard Time (UTC+2) on consecutive days.
| Event | Date | Start Time (UTC+2) |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Triathlon | 25 August | 10:00 |
| Men's Triathlon | 26 August | 10:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the 2004 Olympic triathlon events held?
The events took place at the Vouliagmeni Olympic Centre in Greece.
What was the total distance of the Olympic triathlon course?
The course consisted of a 1500-metre swim, a 40-kilometre bicycle race, and a 10-kilometre run.
How many athletes participated in the 2004 triathlon?
A total of 100 competitors from 34 nations participated, with 50 athletes in the women's event and 50 in the men's event.
Are transition times counted in the final result?
Yes, the duration of the transitions from swimming to cycling and cycling to running is included in the final time.
Who won the pre-Olympic test event in 2003?
The men's event was won by Rasmus Henning of Denmark, and the women's event was won by Michellie Jones of Australia.