The Olympics - bringing triathlon to the masses

For the vast majority of readers here, I'm guessing (?), triathlon has always been a part of the Olympic Games. While yesterday's sensational performance from the Brownlee brothers was 'only' the fifth edition of triathlon at the Olympic Games (see full history HERE), that's still a period of 16 years.

For some (older, greyer, 'less slim'...) like myself, it was ten or more years after we got into the sport ourselves, that triathlon made the programme at Sydney 2000 - and we stayed up late into the night to watch the women's triathlon event open the Olympic Games in front of Sydney Opera House. Much has changed since then, awareness and appreciation of 'our' sport being one of them.

The Olympics brings visibility and credibility to our swim / bike / run world in many regards, and that is reflected when I look through at reactions from British sporting legends from other disciplines this morning, to their responses and reactions to what Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee did yesterday.

Here are just a few:

Mark Cavendish

These guys on such a different level! Such nice guys too! Congratulations @AliBrownleetri @jonny_brownlee for yesterday!

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) August 19, 2016

Sir Matthew Pinsent

Brownlee brothers preeminent - a testament to their talent, training and determination. Superb performance when it matters most.

— Matthew Pinsent (@matthewcpinsent) August 18, 2016

Victoria Pendleton

That is one incredibly talented family! Gold for @AliBrownleetri and silver for @jonny_brownlee #BrownleeBrothers #Rio2016

— Victoria Pendleton (@v_pendleton) August 18, 2016

Paula Radcliffe

Alistair on his lap of honour 👏👏👏👌

— Paula Radcliffe (@paulajradcliffe) August 18, 2016

Iwan Thomas

Fair play to @AliBrownleetri & @jonny_brownlee physically & mentally proper machines... Lungs on legs #Respect #TeamGB

— Iwan Thomas MBE (@Iwanrunner) August 18, 2016