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Commonwealth Games Preview: Triathlon

Expert
23rd July, 2014
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For those who think variety is the spice of life, the triathlon should be at the top-of-the-watchlist for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. It’s a three-in-one event: a swim, a cycle and a run, and best of all, the Aussies are the reigning champs.

What is it?
The ultimate test of versatility and endurance. A 1.5 km swim, followed by a 43km cycle, capped off with a 10km run, the Triathlon is no mean feat.

Glasgow 2014 will be just the third Commonwealth Games to include the Triathlon as a sport. It last appeared at the Melbourne 2006 games, in which the Aussies took home both gold medals, with Brad Kahlefeldt winning the men’s, and Emma Snowsill the women’s.

The men’s and women’s triathlons are among the first events of the games, kicking off early on July 24. For the first time there will also be a mixed relay triathlon at the games, occurring on July 26.

The Aussies
Australia has serious pedigree heading into the return of this event in Glasgow.

Emma Moffat is Australia’s most experienced contender. She has represented the green and gold at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, winning bronze in 2008. She also won the World Championship in 2009 and 2010.

Moffat is joined by rising stars Emma Jackson and Ashleigh Gentle. Jackson finished eighth in the London 2012 Olympic Triathlon and was the 2013 Under 23 World Champion. Gentle was the Junior World Champion in 2010.

Ryan Bailie, Aaron Royle and Dan Wilson make up the men’s team for Australia. Wilson’s is a great story – after nearly giving up on his career due to persistent knee and hip injuries, he has recovered and will now represent his country on the international stage. Bravo, Dan!

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The Competition
England is Australia’s biggest threat at Glasgow 2014. Of the men, Englishman Jonathan Brownlee is the highest ranked triathlete competing at the games, the world no. 3 according the International Triathlon Union. Watch out though, Johnny – our boys Bailie and Royle aren’t far behind in sixth and seventh.

England’s women’s team boasts world number three Jodie Stimpson, who is just one place behind Helen Jenkins of Wales, the highest ranked athlete appearing at the games. The two Emmas, Moffat and Jackson, are both eyeing off a rise in the rankings, currently sitting in sixth and seventh.

Fast Facts
– Gentle by name, gentle by nature? Before she turned her attention to the triathlon full time Aussie hope Ashleigh Gentle qualified for the Queensland South Coast Touch Football team.
– Our team all owned up to their favourite foods in their triathlon profiles. Emma Moffat likes spring rolls, Emma Jackson loves a frozen coke, Ashleigh Gentle, Ryan Bailie and Aaron Royle all admit to a sweet tooth, but the prize for honesty has to go to Dan Wilson who says his favourite snack is peanut butter on a spoon, straight out of the jar.
– Aaron Royle is a bit of a sports fan. He follows the Sydney Swans in the AFL, the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, and the Newcastle Jets in the A-League. Believe it or not, he hails from Newcastle.

What to Drink while watching
Typically an early morning pursuit, tea would be the optimum drink of choice for couch triathletes. Aussie fans will be watching this well into the evening though, so a warming herbal variety, sans caffeine, will do the trick here.

This article was first published on the Tenplay website here.

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