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Of the twenty-eight sports in the 2000 Olympics, the triathlon is one of the two new ones being added. This high-intensity event that combines swimming, running, and biking will have participation by both women and men. One competitor that hopes to have her face seen is Gail Laurence, a top-ranked American triathlete.

For the past three years, Laurence has been a member of the U.S. National Team, consistently ranking in the top three. She is currently ranked sixth in the world after racing in the International Union's World Cup Series.

Different triathlons have different lengths to complete in swimming, biking, and running. Laurence hopes to compete in the Olympics' first triathlon ever. If she makes it to Sydney, she will have to swim 0.93 miles, bike 24.86 miles, and run 6.21 miles. She placed seventh in the Bermuda World Cup, after dealing with last minute injuries. Then, after getting her goggles knocked off during the swim portion of the World Nature Games, she managed to finish the entire triathlon in fifth place.

Laurence is a definite contender for the 2000 Olympics. The criteria for prequalifying for the games includes being ranked in the top fifty of the World Cup. Since Laurence is ranked sixth right now, she will continue to race the series for the chance to compete in Sydney 2000.

[Source: Gail Laurence, Colorado Triathlete]