This question has been debated endlessly over the years. Triathletes that excel in swimming want a longer swim and triathletes that are poorer swimmers tend to be happy with the status quo. The basic reason for short swim legs is that swimming, especially in open water, is the biggest limiter to people participating in triathlon. Also, in many parts of the
world, trying to map out a long swim course is very difficult (think about a 4+ kilometer swim in your average lake).

Last updated on May 3, 2007 by David Ardley