The triathlon is one of the most challenging competitions in sport, combining swimming, cycling and running in a single race. This article highlights the 15 best triathletes in history, those who have left an indelible mark on the sport through their achievements, life stories and records. Let’s get to know these incredible athletes.
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Best triathletes in history: learn about their careers, records and titles
1. Mark Allen (United States)
- 6-time Ironman World Championship winner (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995)
- ITU World Championship winner (1989)
Known as “The Grip”, Mark Allen is one of the most dominant triathletes in history.
He had a legendary rivalry with Dave Scott, who is also on this list. This rivalry even has a name: “The Iron War”.
Mark Allen began his triathlon career in the early 1980s and quickly made a name for himself, becoming widely recognized for his mental and physical preparation, which led him to become one of the biggest names in the sport.
Without a doubt, one of his greatest records is his 6 victories in the Ironman World Championship.
2. Paula Newby-Fraser (Zimbabwe – naturalized American)
- 8-time Ironman World Championship winner (1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996)
Paula became known as the “Queen of Kona” during the period in which she dominated the Ironman World Championship in her career.
Still one of the best triathletes in the world today, she holds the record for the most Ironman World Championship wins, with 8 in a row!
Born in Zimbabwe, Paula became a naturalized American and became a triathlon legend. Her career is marked by an incredible level of consistency and dominance in the Ironman.
3. Dave Scott (United States)
- 6-time Ironman World Championship winner (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987)
Nicknamed “The Man”, Dave Scott is one of the pioneers of triathlon and, as we said above, his career has been marked by victories and, of course, by his rivalry with Mark Allen, which is one of the most famous in the history of the sport.
Dave Scott was one of the first triathletes to achieve worldwide fame and his scientific approach to training and competition helped set new standards for the sport.
Read also: Triathlon rules for success in all stages: swimming, biking and running
4. Chrissie Wellington (United Kingdom)
- 4-time Ironman World Championship winner (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
Chrissie Wellington has never lost an Ironman race in her career and holds several records.
What’s more, her career and position among the best triathletes in history has earned her honors from the Royal Family! Chrissie was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010 for her services to the United Kingdom in representing the country at the Ironman and was promoted to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for services to sport and charity.
Chrissie Wellington entered the triathlon scene relatively late, but quickly established herself as one of the greatest triathletes of all time. Her dedication to training and her strategic approach have helped her dominate the competition.
5. Simon Lessing (United Kingdom)
- 5 times ITU World Championship champion (1992, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999)
- Ironman Lake Placid Champion (2004)
Considered one of the most versatile triathletes, with success in both short and long distances, he was inducted into the Triathlon Hall of Fame in 2013.
Simon Lessing dominated triathlon in the 1990s, excelling at bothOlympic and Ironman distances . His career is an example of longevity and adaptability.
6. Alistair Brownlee (United Kingdom)
- Gold medalist at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics
- ITU World Triathlon Series Champion (2009, 2011)
Together with his brother Jonathan Brownlee, Alistair formed one of triathlon’s most successful duos.
One of the best triathletes in history, he became known for his ability to accelerate in the final stages of competitions and surprise his opponents.
Alistair Brownlee is one of the most successful triathletes in Olympic distance competitions, and proof of this is his two gold medals.
Read also: Greatest Olympic medalists: who they are, countries, sports and medals
7. Javier Gómez Noya (Spain)
- 5-time ITU World Triathlon Series champion (2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015)
- Silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics
Known for his consistency and ability to compete over various distances, he has won triathlete of the year several times.
Javier Gómez Noya is one of the most consistent and versatile triathletes in the world, excelling at both short and long distances, remaining at the top for over a decade.
8. Jan Frodeno (Germany)
- Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
- 3-time Ironman World Championship winner (2015, 2016, 2019)
Jan Frodeno couldn’t be left out of a list of the best triathletes in history, after all, he’s the first person to win the Ironman World Championship and the Olympics.
He also holds the world record for the fastest Ironman time (7:35:39).
Jan Frodeno began his career successfully in Olympic distance competitions and then excelled in Ironman competitions.
He is known for his endurance and ability to compete at a consistently high level.
9. Daniela Ryf (Switzerland)
- 4 times Ironman World Championship champion (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- 5 times Ironman 70.3 World Championship champion
Nicknamed the “Angry Bird” for her determination and focus during races, Daniela holds the record for the fastest time in the Ironman 70.3 (3:57:55).
She is one of the best triathletes in history and one of the most dominant of the last decade.
Her focus and determination have helped her win multiple world titles and set impressive records.
Read also: Triathlon glossary: paceline, swimskin, sprint and more
10. Erin Baker (New Zealand)
- 2-time Ironman World Championship winner (1987 and 1990)
- 7 times ITU World Triathlon Series champion
One of the first women to master triathlon over several distances, Erin became an activist for women’s rights in sport.
The pioneer in women’s triathlon played a key role in shaping the future of the sport.
11. Peter Reid (Canada)
- 3-time Ironman World Championship winner (1998, 2000, 2003)
Known for his scientific and disciplined approach to training, after retiring he devoted himself to wildlife photography.
Peter Reid was, and still is, referred to as one of the best triathletes in history, especially during the 90s and early 2000s.
His dedication and methodical approach helped him to achieve great things in the Ironman, including winning the title three times.
12. Emma Snowsill (Australia)
Titles:
- Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
- 3-time ITU World Triathlon Series champion (2003, 2005, 2006)
In 2008, Emma became the first Australian woman to win Olympic gold in triathlon, becoming one of Australia’s and the world’s most successful triathletes.
Her speed and technique have helped her win multiple titles in Olympic distance competitions, making her one of the best triathletes in history.
13. Scott Molina (United States)
- Ironman World Championship winner (1988)
- Winner of more than 100 professional triathlons
He earned the nickname “The Terminator” for his intensity and durability.
He is one of the members of triathlon’s legendary “Big Four”, along with Dave Scott, Mark Allen and Scott Tinley.
Triathlon’s “Big Four” refers to a legendary group of four triathletes who dominated the sport during the 1980s and early 1990s.
These athletes are widely recognized for their incredible skills, intense rivalries and significant contributions to the popularization of triathlon.
In short, Scott Molina was one of the most successful triathletes of the 80s. His intense and competitive approach helped him amass an impressive list of victories.
14. Nicola Spirig (Switzerland)
- Gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics
- Silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Known for her incredible final sprint, which won her gold in London by the narrowest of margins.
Nicola Spirig is one of Switzerland’s most successful triathletes. Her talent and dedication have helped her win medals at two consecutive Olympics, solidifying her position among the best in the sport.
15. Tim DeBoom (United States)
- 2-time Ironman World Championship winner (2001, 2002)
The last American to win the Ironman World Championship to date, he was known for his consistency and durability in long-distance races.
Tim DeBoom was one of the best triathletes in history, standing out especially in the early 2000s.
His career is marked by impressive consistency and great performances in the Ironman, which earned him two victories in the tournament.
List of the 15 best triathletes in history
- Mark Allen
- Paula Newby-Fraser
- Dave Scott
- Chrissie Wellington
- Simon Lessing
- Alistair Brownlee
- Javier Gómez Noya
- Jan Frodeno
- Daniela Ryf
- Erin Baker
- Peter Reid
- Emma Snowsill
- Scott Molina
- Nicola Spirig
- Tim DeBoom
These triathletes have not only won titles, but have also inspired millions of people around the world with their stories of dedication, overcoming and success. They represent the pinnacle of what is possible in the sport of triathlon and will continue to be remembered as legends.
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