# Chapter 7: Geography & Culture

Triathlon · Chapter 7: Geography & Culture · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/triathlon/interesting-facts/chapter-7-geography-culture/)

Triathlon in its places and cultures: Japan's island races, Norway's rise, US college sport, Bermuda's holiday, Australia's surf ironman, France's club league, Ishigaki, South Africa, Pontevedra and Huatulco.

## 7.71 Japan's Island Race

The Strongman triathlon on Miyakojima: its slogan, its lottery and its welcome.

### Test 1: Triathlon in Japan

- Both helped start the sport in Japan. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')
- The race's full name is the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')
- It is a playful take on a phrase in the Miyako dialect. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')
- Athletes are welcomed by the blue sea and by this hospitality. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')
- Entrants must be healthy, aged 19 to 65, with previous triathlon experience. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')
- It is described as the most popular triathlon in Japan. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')
- The cancellations came during the pandemic. (Source: Samurai Sports, '2022 Miyakojima Triathlon: cancelled... again'; Ryukyu Shimpo (2011))
- 1985, 2011, 2020 and 2026. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon'; Ryukyu Shimpo)
- Getting in is part of the challenge. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')
- Athletes call the islanders' welcome the heart of the race. (Source: Miyako Tour, 'The complete guide to the Miyako Island triathlon'; Okinawa Sports Island, 'The Miyakojima Triathlon')

## 7.72 Norway's Rise

How Norway went from no Olympic triathletes to a podium sweep, with a coach, a scientist and a lactate meter.

### Test 1: Triathlon in Norway

- When he started there were no professional coaches and no funding. (Source: TRI247, 'Building a dynasty: Arild Tveiten on making Norway a triathlon power'; Olympics.com, 'Not only Kristian Blummen)
- He reportedly fitted athletes with up to 20 sensors during lab time trials. (Source: Olympics.com, 'Not only Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden: how Norway has turned into a triathlon powerhouse')
- Blummenfelt had joined a sports academy in Bergen at 14. (Source: Scientific Triathlon podcast, 'How Norway became a triathlon powerhouse with head coach Arild Tveiten' (ep. 154, 458))
- He was picked after a regional win at 14; Gustav Iden followed about two years later. (Source: Olympics.com, 'Not only Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden: how Norway has turned into a triathlon powerhouse')
- Blummenfelt finished 13th in Rio, Norway's first Olympic triathlon. (Source: Olympics.com, 'Not only Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden: how Norway has turned into a triathlon powerhouse')
- It was the first clear sign of what was coming. (Source: TRI247, 'Building a dynasty: Arild Tveiten on making Norway a triathlon power')
- He reflected on the move after the Paris 2024 Games. (Source: Scientific Triathlon podcast, 'How Norway became a triathlon powerhouse with head coach Arild Tveiten' (ep. 154, 458))
- About 2008, 2011, 2016 and 2018. (Source: Olympics.com, 'Not only Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden: how Norway has turned into a triathlon powerhouse'; TRI247)
- Tveiten says the lab, not a textbook plan, decides what athletes need. (Source: Olympics.com, 'Not only Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden: how Norway has turned into a triathlon powerhouse'; TRI247, 'Building a dynasty: Arild Tveit)
- Much of their work is kept close to the lactate threshold. (Source: Olympics.com, 'Not only Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden: how Norway has turned into a triathlon powerhouse')

## 7.73 College Triathlon

How women's triathlon became an NCAA sport in the United States.

### Test 1: NCAA triathlon

- The Legislative Council voted in San Diego. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- Divisions I and III voted 95% and 93% in favour. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- The event cannot carry the NCAA name until full championship status is granted. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- The NCAA gave the sport ten years to get there. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- It competes in Division II. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- It is a fall sport, raced at half the Olympic distance. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- USA Triathlon aimed to add at least three more HBCUs. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- 2009, January 2014, November 2014, 2018 and February 2022. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- 5.0, 6.5, 10 and 40. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))
- It had won five collegiate national titles by 2022, though not NCAA titles. (Source: USA Triathlon, 'NCAA Triathlon: What's Next' (usatriathlon.org) and 'NCAA Triathlon' (archive.teamusa.com))

## 7.74 Flora Duffy Day

Bermuda's public holiday for its first Olympic champion.

### Test 1: Bermuda honours Duffy

- It honoured her Olympic gold in Tokyo and her world title. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- The bill passed on 24 September 2021. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- It was also Bermuda's second Olympic medal. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- He took bronze in Montreal. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- Duffy's gold came 45 years later. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- She was welcomed at the airport by the minister and the national federations. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- The route ran through the City of Hamilton to meet the Premier. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- 15 September, 24 September, 11 October and 18 October 2021. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- 1947, 1976, 2018 and 2021. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))
- A ribbon-cutting and a renaming were also planned. (Source: Government of Bermuda, 'Flora Duffy Day' ministerial statement and 'Public Holiday Designated for Flora Duffy' (gov.bm, 2021); Bernews (2021))

## 7.75 The Other Ironman

Australia's surf lifesaving ironman: swim, board, ski and sand.

### Test 1: The surf ironman

- The National Museum of Australia says it was adapted from an American event. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- Australian lifesavers saw it on a tour of California. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- It was part of the Australian Championships. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- His son would become the sport's first big star. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- Swimming World calls him the first to win both on one day. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- He was also twice national ironman champion. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- It drew corporate, media and public interest. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- 1964, 1966 and 1980. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- 2, 7 and 16. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)
- Kellogg's also backed a television series and a film around him. (Source: National Museum of Australia, 'Between the Flags: competition in the surf'; Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming World on Grant Kenny)

## 7.76 France's Club League

Clubs, stars and titles in the French league.

### Test 1: The French club league

- Teams race several stages over a season. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- A sponsor's name, Lindahls Pro+, was added to it. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- Its women's team won every year from 2021. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- Beauvais had 11 and Sartrouville 8. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- Poissy won both titles in 2025. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- The league is run by the French federation. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- Other clubs prefer home-grown athletes who have been with them for years. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- 29, 11 and 8. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- 2024, 2025 and 2026. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')
- French clubs have long hired international elite athletes for the league. (Source: Tri-Stats, 'What is the French Grand Prix Triathlon Series?' (tri-stats.com); The Running Collective, 'Triathlon Séries')

## 7.77 Ishigaki

Japan's long-running island World Cup.

### Test 1: The Ishigaki World Cup

- By 2008 the island had hosted 13 years in a row. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- It called Ishigaki's lifespan the most successful of any World Cup. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- Harrop won twice after her, in 1999 and 2001. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- He won in 2000, 2005, 2006 and 2007. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- He finished in 1:50:28. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- She broke Australia's run of women's wins on the island. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- The Spaniard ran 1:46:17. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2002. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))
- Tanner of New Zealand had won the year before. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Ishigaki World Cup history' (triathlon.org, 2008))

## 7.78 Ironman Africa

The continent's only full-distance IRONMAN, at Nelson Mandela Bay.

### Test 1: IRONMAN South Africa

- It is the only full-distance IRONMAN on the African continent. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- The city is now called Nelson Mandela Bay. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- He won in 2005, 2010 and 2011. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- The year after, the race was raised to regional championship status. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- It became the African Championship. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- In 2022 the swim was shortened for the pros and cancelled for age-groupers. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- Tri247 called it the event's 21st year. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- 2004, 2005, 2014, 2015 and 2026. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- 2005, 2011, 2018 and 2022. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))
- A 2017 account describes a vicious swell and crashing waves at the start. (Source: Tri247, 'IRONMAN South Africa 2026: date, start time and how to follow live'; Good Things Guy, IRONMAN South Africa report (2022))

## 7.79 Pontevedra

A Galician city of world championships and Javier Gómez's home.

### Test 1: Pontevedra

- World Triathlon called him the king of Spanish triathlon that day. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- He said he cried at the crowd's support and walked before the line to enjoy it. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- He had raced a road bike at the Bermuda series race just before. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- It is Galician-style octopus. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- Gómez gave tips for courses mixing city streets, river paths and hills. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- Sun can turn to drizzle, so he advises packing layers. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- Seven men entered the second transition within 12 seconds of each other. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- 2011, 2019, 2023, 2025 and 2026. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- Kovacic attacked late on the run for bronze. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))
- He grew up training and racing in Pontevedra. (Source: World Triathlon, 'Spain crowns Javier Gomez long distance world champion' (2019) and 'Champion's insight: Javier Gómez Noya's tips for Pontevedra' (2025) (triathlon.org))

## 7.80 Huatulco

A Mexican Pacific resort on the World Cup calendar.

### Test 1: The Huatulco World Cup

- It was a regular stop until 2016. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- It came back to the World Cup in 2018. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- It was the seventh stop of that season. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- It was the season's sixth sprint-distance race. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- He is French. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- One of them was at Huatulco in 2013. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- The women started at 8 a.m. and the men at 10 a.m. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- 2008, 2016, 2017 and 2018. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- 750 m, 5 km and 20 km. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))
- The resort lies on Mexico's southern coast. (Source: World Triathlon, 'ITU World Cup Season Welcomes Back Huatulco to the Calendar' (triathlon.org, 2018))

Sources: Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: World Triathlon, USA Triathlon, the Government of Bermuda, the National Museum of Australia, Japan Multisport, race organisers, Tri247, Tri-Stats, Bernews, Swimming World.

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