The world will turn its eyes to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 to 21, 2016 as they host the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries – including Kosovo and South Sudan for the first time – are expected to compete for 306 sets of medals in 28 sports
The 2000 Olympics in Sydney saw the first appearance of the triathlon event for men and women. The Olympics use the “standard” distances of 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run. Simon Whitfield thrilled Canadians by winning the gold medal in the first triathlon in 2000. After a disappointing 11th place finish in 2004 Whitfield returned strong in 2008 in Beijing and was just nudged out for gold and brought home the silver.