Paris 2024 Olympics: program, history, events...triathlon at the Olympic & Paralympic Games

Combining endurance and long distances with a three-part event, triathlon combines three disciplines into one. Since ancient times, athletes have competed to be crowned the winner of this highly demanding discipline. Here's the story of triathlon at the Games!

Triathlon may not be the most eagerly-awaited event at every Olympic and Paralympic Games, but it has been practiced for centuries, since the etymology of the word "triathlon" comes from ancient Greek and refers to a three-discipline event. Since 2000, triathlon has been a fully-fledged Olympic discipline for both men and women, who compete in an M distance (now the Olympic triathlon distance) combining 1.5 km swimming, 40 km cycling and 10 km running.

Since the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a new triathlon format, this time mixed, has also entered the Olympic program. Now, the event takes the form of a mixed relay with two male and two female athletes, who each complete a triathlon XS circuit - 300 m swim, 8 km bike and 2 km run - before handing over to their teammate. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the triathlon event will take place from Pont Alexandre III, not far from Les Invalides on July 30, 31 and August 5, 2024. For the Paralympic Games, athletes will compete in para-triathlon events with a distance equivalent to half the Olympic triathlon: 750 meters of swimming, 20 km of cycling and 5 km of running.

Paralympics: when and on what channel can you watch the para-triathlon events on TV?
The Paris Paralympic Games kick off in the capital on August 28, so if you haven't managed to get tickets for the events you want to follow, you can still do so thanks to TV broadcasts. [Read more]

Rules

In triathlon, the use of any form of assistance is forbidden: music or gels (other than official refreshments) are not permitted. Drafting is also forbidden: it's essential to respect the distances between two athletes. It's also imperative to respect transition zones (between swimming and cycling, for example), otherwise you risk a penalty or even disqualification.

For Paralympic athletes, three categories differentiate athletes according to their disability: PTWC (for Para Triathlon Wheelchair), PTS (for Para Triathlon Standing) and PTVI (for Para Triathlon Visual Impairment).

Records

Triathlon being one of the disciplines recently added to the Olympic program, no country or triathlete really stands out from the rest; the record number of gold medals in the discipline is three, held by Great Britain. For para-triathlon, the date of addition to the Paralympic program is even more recent, as the discipline has only featured since the Rio Games in 2016.

A discipline to follow closely (especially on the side of French athletes) for these Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games!

The program at the Paris Olympics

Tuesday, July 30 - Cancelled

08:00 - Men 🥇

Please note that the men's triathlon event, originally scheduled for July 30, has been postponed to July 31.

Paris 2024 Olympic Games: the triathlon takes place this Wednesday, July 31!
The men's triathlon event, originally scheduled for 8am on Tuesday July 30, has been postponed to Wednesday July 31, 2024. It's been confirmed that the Seine has been deemed compliant, and both the men's and women's events will now take place on Wednesday morning. Tuesday ticket holders will be reimbursed. [Read more]

Paris 2024 Olympics: where to see the Paralympic events for free in Paris and the Île-de-France region?
On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, some events can be seen for free without paying a penny. Here's how to position yourself to watch the triathlon from the Seine or the Paralympic marathon in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. [Read more]