~* mY rEmiNiScEncES *~

It was introduced in the Asian Games in 2006 but the triathlon debuted in Olympics in 2000 in Sydney, Australia.  This unique competition first originated from France in the early 20th century.  Back when it was founded, it was known as “Les trios sports” (the three sports), “La Course des Débrouillards” (the race of the experts) or  “La course des Touche à Tout” (the race that touches everything). It consists of 3 different sports: a 3km run, a 12km bike ride, then usually followed by a swim across a river which must all be completed without a break.

The triathlon event that will be taking place on September 25 -26 of this year during the 2014 Incheon Asian Games is comprised of individual and mixed relay categories. The individual contestants are required to complete a 1,500m swim (2 laps, 750m/lap), 40km bike ride (6 laps, 6.6km/ lap), followed by a 10km run (4 kaps, 2.5km. lap).

On the other hand, the mixed relay category that will make its debut in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games consists of a 250m swim, a 6.6km bike ride and a 1.6km run.

Have you ever wondered what the triathletes are allowed to eat throughout such an enduring and demanding race? Very often, the triathletes will consume compact energy food in the form of bar or gel to energize themselves.

This year, the triathlon will be carried out at the eco-city of Songdo Central Park Triathlon Venue. This green oasis is a NYC Central Park-inspired centerpiece, located in the midst of Korea’s first international city.

Interestingly, Psy’s viral “Gangnam Style” music video was filmed in Songdo Central Park. Not only can the triathlon athletes enjoy the picturesque scenes throughout the route, the public can also enjoy a stroll along the beautiful park and also see many of the futuristic-looking buildings.

Based on the past achievements, contestants from Japan reign in this sports event. Nonetheless, the Malaysian team who participated in this sports category (both men’s and women’s event) since its debut in the Asian Games is in intensive preparation for it. Alas, Kimbeley Yap Fui Li, the double Southeast Asian (SEA) Games triathlon gold medalist who also represented Malaysia in the 2006 Doha Asia Games was unfortunately injured after a road accident while training for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Her comeback to the triathlon at the Incheon Asian Games will be temporarily put on hold.

Although it was a great loss to the country as well as the new sport, it may lead to some surprising and unpredictable wins due to the relatively newness of the sport and also the great number of athletes partaking in it every year. Which triathlete will reign supreme over the rest and what country will he or she represent? Stay tuned until this fall when the 2014 Asian Games in Korea begins!