From Christine Luff,
Your Guide to Running & Jogging.
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Each leg of the Olympic triathlon –- swim, bike, and run –- has its own rules:

Swim Leg Rules:

• Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water.
• During the swim, competitors may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an object such as a buoy or stationary boat but may not use either to gain an advantage.
• If a competitor is in trouble, he or she can call for assistance by raising an arm overhead. Once assistance is given, the competitor must withdraw from the competition.
• Triathletes may wear wetsuits during the swim leg only if the water temperature is 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower. Wetsuits must be worn in water colder than 14 degrees Celsius (57.2 degrees Fahrenheit).

Cycling Leg Rules:

• Competitors are allowed to draft off of one another, or ride directly behind another competitor to avoid wind resistance.
• Although drafting is allowed, competitors may not block out other riders.
• During the bike leg, triathletes may not move forward without the bicycle.
• Triathletes may not ride the bike in the transition area and are subject to a time penalty or disqualification if they do so.

Run Leg Rules:

• Competitors are allowed to walk but they cannot crawl during the run leg.
• Triathletes may also not wear headphones or headsets.

Back to Main Olympic Triathlon page