Are you one to try and beat the best triathlon times? The Olympic Triathlon is a sporting event that consists of three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running.
The triathlon was first introduced as an official sport at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. It found its popularity growing over the decades, and primary disciplines came into effect not only in the race itself but in the transition of each race.
One contestant may have a better time in a specific race while others make up for the lost time in other areas. Lesser times during the transition can even throw a contestant into first place if they are accurate and quick.
Let’s take a look at some of the fastest times and discuss what is a good time to have if you wish to compete in the Olympics. We will also discuss the training involved to achieve these goals.
Some of the Best Triathletes and Their Times
The fastest time ever recorded for the Olympic Triathlon is 1 hour 47 minutes 3 seconds, set by Alistair Brownlee of the United Kingdom at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. The second-fastest time is 1 hour 47 minutes 8 seconds, set by Javier Gomez of Spain at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.
In the Women’s Olympic Triathlon, the fastest time recorded is 1 hour 56 minutes 57 seconds, set by Nicola Spirig of Switzerland at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. The second-fastest time is 1 hour 57 minutes 8 seconds, set by Gwen Jorgensen of the United States at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
The fastest time for the mixed Olympic Triathlon (which consists of one man and one woman on each team) is 1 hour 48 minutes 2 seconds, set by the team of Alistair Brownlee and Vicky Holland of the United Kingdom at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
The second-fastest time is 1 hour 48 minutes 9 seconds, set by the team of Javier Gomez and Carolina Routier of Spain at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.
The Goal For Times Male and Female in the Olympic Triathlons
A good way to start out for males is if you can keep the time around one hour and 50 minutes. For females, a good time to have is breaking the two-hour mark. These times are a sure way you may have a chance to enter the Olympics.
The goal for the males and females in Olympic triathlons should be to try and better their time by even a few seconds. The athlete should keep in mind it is not about the fastest time when you are training. It is how much better you get each tryout session. If a person can do that, they have accomplished their goal.
For Alistair Brownlee, his goal was to beat Javier Gomez’s time, which he did by five seconds (1:45:01). The goal was to have a better time each tryout and when the big event came, it was the real deal, but it was done with a better time than the last in mind. This mentality is where Brownlee won the Triathlon.
For the women, the goal should be to try and beat Nicola Spirig’s time, who held the record for eight years. Gwen Jorgenson now holds the time to beat at 1:56:16. To train for an Olympic Triathlon, you should consult with a coach who can help you devise a training program that will get you in shape for the event.
Training Sessions and Working Toward a Faster Time
You should begin by swimming laps in a pool. This will help you build up your endurance for the first leg of the race. It is strongly advised to take up the bike and run as often as you can to condition your muscles for the other two legs of the race.
Never train alone. You will need encouragement along the way as well as someone to keep track of your time, movements, and everything in between. Your coach will help you set up a training schedule that works best for you and your lifestyle.
As the days get closer to the event, you will want to taper off your workouts. This means you will want to do shorter workouts with more rest in between. The goal is to have your body fully rested and recovered so you can perform at your best on race day.
Common Mistakes That People Make When Training for an Olympic Triathlon
One of the most common mistakes people make is not cross-training. This means you only focus on one aspect of the race and do not prepare your body for all three legs of the event. Another mistake is not being hydrated.
It is important to drink plenty of water with minimal sports drinks every day, especially when you are working out. Stretching and drinking water will stop muscle spasms and cramps that will affect your ability to train and compete efficiently.
Another mistake is not eating healthy. You need to fuel your body with the right foods so you have enough energy to make it through your workouts. Lastly, people often train too hard and too much. This can lead to overtraining and injuries. It is important to listen to your body and take rest days when you need them.
The Olympic Triathlon is a test of endurance, strength, and speed. If you are looking to compete in this event, it is important to train properly and listen to your body. With the right preparation, you can be sure to give yourself the best chance to succeed.
Never Settle For Less
You may have one time faster than another. Just because you have reached or surpassed a goal, do not settle for that time alone. It is a huge mistake to think you are ready once you beat a time limit, and it is a fool’s way to losing. Your goal should remain to always better yourself and your time in training and during the actual Triathlon itself.
