1974
Triathlon roots can be traced back to 1974, Mission Bay, Southern California where a group of friends began training together. Amongst the athletes were runners, swimmers and cyclists who began having informal races

1978
Hawaii hosted the Waikiki Rough Water Swim, the Oahu Bike Race and the Honolulu Marathon. Originally events in themselves, they were rolled into one to become the Hawaii Iron man

1982
The Hawaii Iron man gained extensive coverage on ABC World Wide Sport and participation levels had increased to 580 competitors

1983
With triathlon's popularity growing, it reached British shores in 1983. The British Triathlon Association was established the same year

1989
International Triathlon Union established in France

2000
Triathlon becomes an Olympic event in Sydney

2002
Triathlon will make its Commonwealth Games debut in Manchester