TRIATHLON AND THE MULTISPORT ATHLETE

The sport of triathlon is a rapidly growing arena far athletic competi tion and training. Men and women of various fitness backgrounds have b ecome involved in this sport that involves the disciplines of swimming , cycling; and running. Training far multiple sports has the advantage s of providing the athlete with a variety of means of maintaining fitn ess in the event of an injury. On the other hand, multisport training may also contribute to a special category of injuries, those related t o the cumulative effects of cross-training. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature regarding triathlon training and injuries. A survey of a local triathlon club regarding the inciden ce of injuries is presented, and comparisons are made with previously published surveys. Finally this paper attempts to outline the training conditions of the triathlete and to provide readers with strategies f or injury management.