BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Following are the factbox on triathlon at the August 8-24 Beijing Olympic Games:

    HISTORY

    The first triathlon was organized on Sept. 25, 1974, in Mission Bay, San Diego, California. It now consists of a 1500 meters open water swim, a 40km cycle ride and a 10km run.

    The International Triathlon Union (ITU) was founded in May 1989 in Avignon, France, and the town staged the first world championships in August of the same year.

    Triathlon made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Games in Sydney where 500,000 spectators watched the event.

    EVENTS

    Men's and women's events.

    OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION

    There will be 55 men and 55 women. Eight top-ranking countries allowed 3 athletes per event and the others will be allowed a maximum of 2.

    OLYMPIC PROGRAM

    August 18 - women

    August 19 - men

    VENUES

    Ming Tomb reservoir in northern Beijing

    2004 CHAMPIONS

    Men: Hamish Carter, New Zealand

    Women: Kate Allen, Austria