Performance Trends in Age Group Triathletes in the Olympic Distance Triathlon at the World Championships 2009-2014

Performance trends in elite triathletes competing in age group classes have been investigated for Ironman triathlon in 'Ironman Hawaii' but not for short distance triathletes competing at international level in events such as the Olympic distance triathlon at the World Championships. The aim of the present study was to evaluate participation and performance trends of age group triathletes competing in the Olympic distance triathlon at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships 2009-2014. During this period, the number of participants remained constant. Swimming performance improved in athletes in age groups 25-29 years to 55-59 years, but not in younger (18-24 years) and older (> 60-64 years) age groups. Cycling performance improved in athletes in age groups 18-24 years to 70-74 years, but not in age group 75-79 years. In running, athletes in age groups 18-24 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years and 65-69 years improved, but not in the other age groups. Overall race time was improved by athletes in age groups 18-24 to 65-69 years, but not in age groups 70-74 years and 75-79 years. Transition times were improved by all age group athletes. Women were slower than men in swimming, cycling, running and overall race time in age groups 18-24 years to 70-74 years, but not in the age group 75-79 years. For transition times, women were slower than men in age groups 18-24 years to 65-69 years, but not in age groups 70-74 years to 75-79 years. In summary, women and men improved performance in most age groups across all years, men were faster than women except in the age group 75-79 years and the sex difference between women and men remained constant. This knowledge should be considered when future age group triathletes train for and compete in Olympic distance triathlons at international level.